The tennis star of to-day owes his public as much as the
actor owes the audience, and only by meeting his obligations can
tennis be retained in public favour. The players get their reward
in the personal popularity they gain by their conscientious work.
There is another factor that is even stronger than this, that
will always produce fine tennis in championship events. It is the
competitive spirit that is the breath of life to every true
sportsman: the desire to prove to himself he can beat the best of
the other man; the real regret that comes when he wins, and feels
the loser was not at his best. It is that which has made popular
idols of Anthony F. Wilding, M. E. M'Loughlin, and other famous
players. It is the great attraction of J. C. Parke, A. R. F.
Kingscote, W. M. Johnston, Andre Gobert, W. Laurentz, and many
other stars. It is the sign of a true sportsman.
The keen competitive spirit that stimulates a match player also
increases the nervous strain. This should be recognized by
tournament committees, and the conditions of play should be as
nearly standardized as weather permits.
A tournament committee should never keep a player waiting for an
important match to commence while they scour through the crowd
for linesmen. These necessary, and I trust useful, accessories to
every match of importance should be picked and on hand when the
players appear. A good linesman is a great aid to match tennis.
Pages:
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76