Evening star., 1937-01-06

great matches Of tennis during the
last 20 years. All the meetings OF
Billy Johnston and myself, the battles
between any Of the stars like Vincent
Richards, Rene Lacoste. Henri Cochet,
Karl Kozeluh, Vines and myself. both
Is amateurs and pros. come under the
head Of "naturals," but no match has
held greater public interest than this
meeting between Vines and Perry.
Will Settle Long Debate.
THE discussion has ragged over who
- was superior ever since Vines
turned pro in 1923. Up to the mo-
ment Of Vines entrance into profess
sional tennis, there was little to choose
between them. In the earlier battles
Vines had had the edge, but during
his last year as an amateur, the mar
gin of superiority went to Perry. Now,
after nearly four years. they meet
again.
Each has improved since their last
meeting. Each has the confidence
born of long period of success in
their own class. Their admirers. and
they are legion. are lined up in two
wildly partisan camps, each supremely
confident that their hero will win.
Each camp has excellent foundation
for their confidence.
Perry has certain outstanding quail
ities, proved beyond argument. He Is
the fastest man on his feet in the
world of tennis. His stamina is phe-
nomenal. His courage, as exemplifled
by his remarkable victory snatched
from the jaws of defeat at the hands of
Donald Bulge in the final round OF
the United States championship, is a
marvellous asset in competition. How
can such a champion lose? Is it not
also true that his famous forehand
has raked the courts Of the worlds
greatest amateurs to bring victory to
the English champion?
Accurate, Terrific Hitter.
VINES has other assets. He is the
most terrific hitter in tennis
history. His service, forehand and
backhand drives, and overhead carry
greater power, coupled with control.
than any other player in tennis his
tory. He, too. has great courage. He
Is a proved and seasoned champion.
I am one of the Vines camp. I
am one Of his most ardent supporters.
I am convinced he will win. I look
to see him do it in not more than four
sets, probably in three. I think the
power Of his attack will shatter even
the Perry defense. I think the speed
Of his shots will outspeed even the
Perry legs. There are still other fac
tors in Vines favor.
The canvas court, the lights, the
indoor facilities, are all old stories to
Vines. The boisterous, noisy crowd,
80 different from the restrained gal
lery of Wimbledon, will be nothing
new to the American. experienced by
three years Of pro tennis touring Yet
to Perry all of these factors will be
new and trying experience.
Sees Gains for Perry.
AS THE tour goes on and Perry
"a grows more accustomed to the
new playing conditions, the margin
will grow less between them, but it
Is my considered opinion that in
every department, and by every
standard, Vines Is the greater player.
who will. as he should emerge the
victor. not only in the first great
match tonight, but also on the longer
result of the entire tour.
It will be tennis history in the
making tonight, before the greatest
and most brilliant crowd Of tennis
history, and I'll be there-rooting for
Vines.
Copyright. 1887. Reproduction in whole
q in part prohibited without permission0