America's year for the Davis Cup?

JOHN R. TUNIS

The Interzone Final of the Davis Cup, to be played at Wimbledon between the United States and the winner of the European Zone on July 21, 23 and 24, is still ahead of us. So too is the Challenge Round to be held on the same courts, one week later, between the victor of the Interzone Final, and England, holder and conqueror in 1933. But looking at these events in advance, I believe the United States will capture the Davis Cup for 1934.

Why not? Well, you may suggest first, Australia, and second England, as two perfectly good reasons why we haven't a chance to win. Yes, they are good reasons. Yet there are also one or two reasons why we may succeed where we have failed in other years.

First, and most important. It appears that what a French writer called "the pretentious ignorance of the American tennis leaders," will be lacking in this summer's campaign. R. Norris Williams has held both the singles and doubles titles of the United States, he has been on American Davis Cup teams as captain before. Having learned his tennis abroad he knows the game thoroughly, has the confidence of the players, and should make an ideal captain again.

Next, the Interzone Final and the Challenge Round of the Davis Cup will not be played on the soft dirt of Roland Garros Field, in Paris, a surface which nullifies the speed of drive and service of the American players, but on the fast grass center court at Wimbledon, a surface which intensifies that speed.

Third, the Americans, and this is true of no other team, start with one match already won. At least it is difficult to imagine Perry and Hughes of England, Quist and Turnbull of Australia, or Borotra and Brugnon of France defeating any pair chosen by Captain Williams, whether that team be Lott and Stoefen, our national doubles champions, or Lott and Allison. There are four singles and one doubles match in a Davis Cup tie; that one point has decided many contests.

Fourth, in Lester Stoefen we have the most improved player of the year. If he hasn't run himself to pieces this spring, he has an excellent chance of winning both his singles matches in the Davis Cup. In this connection, remember also that Sidney Wood has beaten Perry both at Wimbledon and Forest Hills, and has never lost a match on grass to the mainstay of the defending side.

Fifth, Perry. After a year of almost continuous play, Perry is in much the same condition as Vines was at this time last season. It is not certain, but it is highly likely that he will be less effective than he was in 1933. Moreover, Perry is usually better when playing away from England than he is at home. Curiously enough, England's number one singles star has never got past the semifinals at Wimbledon.

Another factor in our favor is that we are not meeting the French. The Messieurs Cochet and Borotra, those Dolly Sisters of international sport, are both out of the picture, the one because he has turned professional, the other because of Father Time. So it looks at last as if we had a chance. Why it is that the average French tennis player can out-think the average Anglo-Saxon about three to one, I do not know. Unfortunately facts are facts. With a weaker team the French held the Davis Cup for five years and only relinquished it last summer after a terrific struggle. This July, for the third time in succession, an American Davis Cup team, stronger than its adversaries, goes into action. Three times is a lot.

Ever an optimist, I am hoping that there will be less nonsense and chichi about the team and its management. In years past our delegation to the Davis Cup has been painfully reminiscent of American delegations to various international conferences abroad. There has been the same overelaborate personnel, only, instead of secretaries, typists, experts and advisers, there have been captains, assistant captains, trainers, coaches, dog-robbers and whatnots. There has been the same lack of authority among those in charge, or supposed to be in charge, the same utter lack of brain power all along the line. Worst of all, the same spirit of over-confidence. The same attitude of "now-then-we'll-show-these-poor-dodosover-here-how-we-Americans-do-things. Watch-our-dust." Then, alas, the same prodigious flop.

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Last year the team managers certainly made many mistakes of judgment and management. Here are a few points to remember. First, the team decided to live in two of the most luxurious hotels in Europe; Grosvenor House in London and the George V in Paris, eating the rich food to which Mr. Hardy pointed out the American palate is unaccustomed. Not only Vines but Sutter and Stoefen went through a strenuous fortnight at Wimbledon. That the former was drained by this tournament was apparent to everyone who saw him in Paris—save the American coach and captain. Did he take a week at a seaside resort? He did not. Playing the finals on Saturday in London he came over on Tuesday and was playing at Roland Garros on Wednesday morning. No wonder, when he turned professional and fell able to express himself freely, he stated that the team was led by a captain whose incompetence was patent.

Following in the footsteps of McLoughlin, Johnston, Vines and the rest of the champions sent from the distant west, Stoefen is a great player. He has a drive off both wings as fluent and as graceful as that of Laurie Doherty, a fluency that makes the strokes of most of his colleagues seem labored and clumsy in comparison. He has a service like Tilden's and a volley like Richards'. To be sure, his footwork is not yet perfect. He must still master the menial side of the game. This I think he will do, provided—no small proviso this—lie is not spoilt by the flattery and adulation of public and press.

He is a magnificent fighter. More than once I have seen him pull out matches against top class men when behind two sets to love. He has the game to beat anyone playing tennis today. Possibly his time has not arrived. Possibly this is not his year. If it is, the English and Australians and the rest had better look out. As Stoefen goes, so goes the Davis Cup.