It is really a question of life
or death with English tennis at this time. Major A. R. F.
Kingscote, the youngest of the leading players in England, is
older than any man in the American First ten, with the single
exception of Walter T. Hayes. J. C. Parke has stated definitely
that 1920 marked his retirement from the game. He is just under
forty. Young players must be found to replace the waning stars.
The danger is not immediate, for all the players who proved so
good in 1920 seemed certain of several more years of first- class
play; but what of the next ten years?
The future development of tennis is dependent largely upon the
type of court that will become the standard. All big fixtures
to-day are played on grass wherever possible. There is little
question but that the grass game is the best. In the first place,
it is the old-established custom, and should be maintained if
possible. Secondly, the game is more skilful and more interesting
on turf. Thirdly, grass is far easier on the eyes and feet of the
players than any other surface.
There are drawbacks to grass courts. Grass cannot grow in all
climates. The grass season opens late and closes early. The
expense of upkeep is very great, and skilled groundsmen are
required at all clubs that have grass courts.
The hard court of clay or dirt, cinder, en-tout-cas, or asphalt
allows more continuous play and uniform conditions in more kinds
of weather.
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