Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-09

could beat Frances great players
as a cup player.
But he was disappointing be-
cause of his showing in the ma
tional championship. He had a
good chance to win, and was
thought the one man Tilden real
ly had to fear. But he failed even
to reach the semi finals, losing to
Wilmer Allison of Texas. That
was the biggest surprise of the
championship, which was filled
with upSets.
The defeat by Allison was charac-
teristic of Lofts career. No one has
ever known quite what to expert of
him One week he would look like a
world beater, and in the next tourna-
ment he would make dismal show
ing.
The one thing against him is his tenn
permanent. I don't say George isn't a
fighter But there seems a lack Of
something in his makeup that prevents
his winning matches he rates to win.
I should call it lack of the will to
win. Lott doesn't take his tennis quite
seriously enough. Perhaps he should
be praised for that, rather than criti-
cized. The English say We take the
don't get the fun out of 1t we should.
But they have been changing their
ideas the last few years, and seem as
thoroughly bent on winning as we are
in the United States.
Must Concentrate on Victory.
To now Lott has taken his victories
and his defeats without seeming very
much affected one way or the other.
But II he is ever going to cash in on
his talents he must concentrate on
winning. He is still only a youth, Just
finishing his college career, and it may
be. the future will see change in him.
This is sincerely to be hoped, for
We have no better prospect in the coun-
try than Lott, and If he can settle into
the proper frame of mind big things
may be expected Of him.
There is no better voIleyer in the
amateur ranks Of this country than
the Chicagoan. His handling of low
volleyS is beautiful, and he is sure
overhead also-two Of the hardest
shots in the game. Lott is strong in
service, with variety of twist and
pace. and of the ground he is much
better equipped than most of the
younger generation.
His forehand, made with lot of top
spin through the use Of the Western
grip. Is damaging weapon both across
court and straight down the line. His
backhand, while not so drastic or quite
as reliable, Is also an attacking weapon,
particularly his straight backhand, and
his footwork leaves little to be desired,
though at times he shows an inclina-
ton to lag. This may be attributed to
Lofts mental attitude, for he is GER
tainly fast enough on his feet and
keeps in good enough condition to
cover court with the best Of them.
Lott IS a natural athlete. He is an
excellent base ball player, who might
make the grade with a big league club
If he cared. He handles himself
smoothly and without any waste mo-
ton, and he has great natural equip
ment for tennis.
Could Be World Best.
In spite of his defeat by Borotra in
the challenge round last year and by
Allison in the nationals, I think Lott
should receive every consideration for
the team this Summer. At his best he
can beat any player in the world, as
he showed few years ago in trouncing
Lacoste at Southampton and Tilden in
one of the Southern tournaments.
Lott finishes at the University of
Chicago before the team leaves for
ing on his mind but tennis. His studies
kept him from playing in the American
zone last year, and when he went to
Europe he was badly short on practice.
With sufficient preparation this Spring
he should give much better account
Of himself.
Lott showed how brilliant he could
be when he won the national doubles
crown with Johnny Doeg at Boston,
even with Tilden and Hunter in the
held, and although he lost to Allison
week later some recognition should
be given the fact that the match was
played on court slippery from rain,
and that conditions were such as to
break up the game Of player Of his
temperament. The week before the
national doubles Lott gave Tilden a
terrific battle at Newport, and If they
meet this year it wouldn't surprise me
70 see George put 1t over big Bill"
In the Davis Cup matches Lott could
be used in either singles or doubles,
or both. He would be a dangerous
opponent for Borotra in singles, and In
the doubles he and Doeg could hold
their own with any team.
Lott has the physique and stamina
20 play both singles and doubles, and
ne certainly has the strokes, his lob in
doubles in particular being one of the
most deceptive and effective in the
game.
George needs only to get into the
proper mental attitude to be an out
standing figure in 1880, and I believe
you VIII ind this will happen.
Next: John Hennessey)
tCopyright' 1880. by North American News