THE DAVIS CUP.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 204, 30 July 1937, Page 6

THE DAVIS CUP.

America’s success in the Davis Cup matches this year was generally anticipated, and with Germany disposed of in the final of the European zone the way was paved for victory against Britain. Since France beat America at Philadelphia in 1927 the latter has had a very lean period in this great lawn tennis competition, but this year it was able to produce players in whom confident hopes were placed of restoring its prestige. With Budge the virtual world’s singles champion and holding with Mako the doubles title, supporters of Britain found no great hope for success of their representatives. The defection of F. J. Perry to the professional ranks, wherein he has done very w r ell towards building the fortune he aimed at, was a serious blow to amateur tennis in Biritain, and in addition to this severe loss Britain’s doubles pair was weakened when G. P. Hughes was compelled to retire just before the matches were to take place. The history of the Davis Cup particularly in recent years is of players who have risen to high status, won the trophy for their country, held it for several years, and as they passed their zenith to give way to another country. America held the. Cup for seven years from 1920; then France for six years, and finally Britain for the past four. In that time great players have crossed the lawn tennis stage and either become professionals or retired as their zenith was passed. Now America again has come to the forefront, and unless other leading lawn tennis countries can produce players of equal calibre it seems not unlikely that the Davis Cup will not again cross the Atlantic for several years at least.