Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-06-15


- that she was no longer the 'rollicking
Betty" of her earlier tennis career. But IN
''groWing up" Betty lost none Of the charm that
made her dear to the hearts OF tennis fol-
lowers.
Since her first appearance as a representa-
tive of Great Britain in international play
Betty'S position in the tennis world has as
Sumed aspect of greater Importance. she
has q definite responsibility that has no doubt
had its effect in making her bit more serious.
She IS the object of attention wherever she
appears and has consequently adopted dig
nified bearing.
This attitude that seems to have left the
impression of great reservedness with many of
her friends is nevertheless completely aban-
doned on the court, and Betty becomes very
young and enthusiastic again. Her natural dis
position is undoubtedly her court tempera-
ment, but Betty has had problem with which
to contend. She became of interest to the
British public at q very early age, and gradual
ly this interest spread to other countries until
Betty sought after in a manner to turn
the head of any ordinary young lady She has
gone through this period with remarkable mod
esty and grace.
When you play game that requires the
maximum of energetic reserve and mental tram
uuiIlity. 1t is difficult to meet the requisites un-
less you are in some way protected from every
thing that tends to wear down that strength.
Many of those who seek Betty'S attention pre-
sent this problem to her quite unconsciously
that she has adopted more reserved manner.
noticed the first year / played at Wimble-
don that Betty was frequently cornered before
. match and asked to sign scores of tennis
balls for school children. It seemed to me
then that she ought to discourage this, at least
until her matches were over.
liver since her entrance into competitive
- tennis at the age of Betty Nuthan has
held the attention of the sporting public.
remember before my own interest in the game
was aroused, seeing photographs of her with
long curls and the smile that gained her in
slant popularity. She was already being hailed
rs 'ErSElands Lenglen" and "Britain's hope"
I met Betty for the first time in 1927, when
she came to America, greatly heralded as
member of the British Wightman Cup team
When it became possible that I might be
named to play third singles on the American
team interest in the match seemed rather wide
spread because both Betty and I the
youngest members of respective teams.
watched her in practice at the West Side
Club and must confess not impressed
with her game I soon to become after
playing her. Betty Is not spectacular in prac-
tice and at this time she was working for
steadiness. Her underhand service a source
of amusement to all who watched her that first
day and thought there ought to be little diff
Guilty in handling it.
1t was fortunate that the winning of the cup
did not hinge on our match, for lost in three
sets I discovered that BettyS serve was not
as easy to return as had expected.
From the day of her first appearance on
American courts Betty has been faVorite with
the tennis public. Her pleasing personality and
UNREASONABLE craftsmanship make her just as
beloved by her opponents as she is by her en-