Evening star., 1938-08-23
Mrs. Moody
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Tar. however she has denied any in
terest in pro tennis and disclaimed
any intention to consider new pro-
posals to capitalize her court fame.
The Wimbledon champions with
draWal came not only as a blow to
plans for the national championships,
due to start at the West Side Club
September 8, but dissipated chances of
renewal OF rivalry with Helen Jacobs,
who lost to Mrs. Moody in this years
Wimbledon final
The last time Mrs. Moody played in
the nationals, at Forest Hills, she de-
faulted in the third set of the final
round to Miss Jacobs. That was In
1888.
Text of Mrs. Moody's Letter.
In response to your inquiry re-
garding my competing in the national
tennis championship at Forest Hills
beginning September I am sorry to
say shall not take part. 1t is with
regret that I come to this decision.
I have played very little since I
came back from abroad because of
severe attack OF neuritis. I have been
taking treatment for it but so far I
have not improved. Without prelim-
mary practice and feeling as do now,
1t would not be possible to play in
such competition as offered by Forest
Hills.
I hope you will convey this in
formation to members of the Tourna-
ment Committee along with nv ex-
preston of sincere regret. I am CRATE
ful to the officers Of the United States
Lawn Tennis Association for their
Kindness to me in the past, and also
for their including me on the Wight
man Cup team this year; also for their
having given me the privilege of
representing the United States abroad
IN the Wimbledon championships.
Since intended, before 1 went
away, to play at Wimbledon and our
own championships at Forest Hills
and since l am unable to do the
latter, hope the u S. L. T. A. will
kindly accept the inclosed check for
the amount Of s1,3os45, representing
the entire amount given me as repre-
sentative Of the u S. L. T. A. for
travelling and expenses while member
OF the Wightman Cup team and dur
ing the time. I compete at Wimbledon.
Again. with my thanks to the
U. S. L. T. A. and its officers for their
kind attitude of many years standing,
their unselflsh interest in tennis, which
has provided for me, along with ether
players Of the game in the United
States, a very happy time in sports,
I am sincerely yours,
HELEN WILLS. MOODY"
DR.. John S. Davis, jr, physician to
Mrs. Moody. said the tennis star was
suffering from neuritis in her side and
f1brositis, caused by thickened tissue
over the muscles, in her back and legs.
She is bothered when she takes deep
breath. suffers occasional pain and
tires very easily. Many tennis players
are stricken with the malady, said DR..
Davis
Recovery. said Dr. Davis, is a slow
process, often requiring years treat
ment
The Wightman Cup Committee of
the U. S. L. T. A. will determine
whether Mrs. Moodys refund of ex-
pense money will be accepted. Moss
said this committee probably would
not act on the matter for couple Of
weeks.
Mrs. Moody's evident feeling of OBJ
legation recalled the parallel circum-
stances of 1885. when she Withdrew
from the American championships be-
cause Of a recurrence of her back all
ment after defeating Miss Jacobs in
thrilling match for the all-England
title at Wimbledon.