Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-04
BY VINCENT RICHARDS,
International Tennis Star and Former
Davis Gun Ace.

BY VINCENT RICHARDS,
International Tennis Star and Former
Davis Gun Ace.
THE youngest player ever to
make place for himself on
a Davis Cup team was Will
- bur (Junior) Coen, Kansas
City, in 1928.
This Middle Western lad came
into international prominence at
Is, when he was selected by Jo-
seph w. Wear, chairman of the
Davis Cup committee, and Bill
Tilden, captain of the team, to
represent the United States.
Until then Junior was not known out
side the United States, although he had
gained some fame in boys tournaments
as protege of Big Bill. The fact that
Tilden had seen signs of greatness in
Coen had not convinced many people
that he had big future.
Indeed, the fact that Tilden praised
him so was all the more reason critics
shook their heads, because the lanky
Philadelphian had had other proteges
who had proved flashes in the pan.
When Junior was chosen there were
many who said he didn't deserve the
test matches at Augusta, Ca, to back
the selection. Junior not only played
against China in the American zone
ties at Kansas City, but he also went
to Europe with the team.
Almost two years have passed since,
and Coen has not made any considera-
BILE progress. But 1t is too early to de-
eide what the future holds Last year
he went to Europe with his family in
t1A TtrNfA a 4 - l.
Summer. He went straight home to
Kansas City and played in only q few
tournaments.
In the national championship he won
his first two matches without losing a
set, and then went against Frank
Hunter. The diminutive prodigy from
the West had the gallery cheering as he
took the first set from Hunter, and 1t
was only after the score had gone to
Is that Frank took the second set
and went on to win the match.
PrematureIy Chosen, Perhaps.
1t is possible the selection of Coen in
1928 was premature, and that it would
have been better for him had he been
left of the team until he had more
seasoning. He still has a great deal to
learn, and he can't be expected to come
into his full powers until he has reached
physical maturity. But there is no deny
ing that this lad has great deal of
tennis ability, and that if it is developed
in the right channels he may have a
big future.
Coen has one of the best forehands
In the game. 1t is beautifully timed
stroke, without any top spin, and Junior
maintains good length on it and con-
cealS its direction cleverly His back
nand is not so good, but he makes 1t
with nice form, and under pressure he
can lay 1t along the lines with beauti-
full precision.
The weakness in Juniors game is his
I service and in his limitations as net
player I understand. that Tilden, who
has spent a good deal of time coaching
Coen, believes his service adequate.
That may be true of the first ball. but
the second is a set-up, and If 1t isn't
murdered 1t gets Coen into a hole at
the start of the rally.
When his first service is right he
has nothing to worry about, for his
stiff-armed delivery goes over the net
with great speed and shoots fast. But
this kind of service is difficult to
master, and Coen's control over 1t is
none too reliable, with the result that
he has to fall back on a soft service.
I should say the thing Coen must work
on most to gain the top and live I'D
to all the predictions made for him is
his service.
Because of his shortness, Junior can
not hope for much success at the net
unless he sprouts. His volleying is none
too stable, and with his lack Of height
and reach he is lost against a player
with a well controlled drive and lob
A well timed lob will break up his
net attack almost every time. Junior
cannot afford to rush in to the net too
fast, and he always must be prepared
to rush back for his baselinc, because
almost any kind Of a lob will elude
his racket.
His Baseline Game Vital.
It is as a baseliner that Coen must
rise or fall. He already has a superb
forehand, and by concentrating on his
backhand and his service he may per-
feet a game difficult for any to beat.
While sound net attack is a big help,
the lack Of one is not hopeless handi-
cap by any means. Rene Lacoste,
Frances great player, is almost entirely
a baseliner, though he can volley bril-
liantly when he chooses, which is
seldom.
I. do not look for Coen to make the
team this year. He may surprise us,
for he has been hiding his light under
DuSIlel lOE Lilc last year, anu IlC may
have improved considerably since 1928.
But think the wisest thing for him
is to get all the tournament experience
ne can and hold of another year
or two.
He is only 1S, and there is plenty
of time for him to win international
honors. If his development takes q
natural course and the association
keeps a watchful eye over him and en-
courages him, Coen should be one of
our big hopes.
Next-W Barry Wood, jr.
tCopyright, 1890. by North American News
paper Alliance)
Golf is now gaining favor as nov.
slty In Germany.