"
There must be something that carries them up from the mass. It is
that something which appeals in some form to the public. The
public may like it, or they may dislike it, but they recognize
it. It may be personality, dogged determination, or sheer genius
of tennis, for all three succeed; but be it what it may, it
brings out a famous player. The quality that turns out a great
player, individualizes his game so that it bears a mark peculiar
to himself. I hope to be able to call to mind the outstanding
qualities of some of the leading tennis players of the world.
Where to start, in a field so great, representing as it does
America, the British Isles, Australia, France, Japan, South
Africa, Rumania, Holland, and Greece, is not an easy task; but it
is with a sense of pride and a knowledge that there is no game
better fitted to end this section of my book, and no man more
worthy to lead the great players of the world, that I turn to
William M. Johnston, the champion of the United States of
America, and my team-mate in the Davis Cup team of 1920.
CHAPTER XII. AMERICA
WILLIAM M. JOHNSTON
The American champion is one of the really great orthodox players
in the world. There is nothing eccentric, nothing freakish about
his game.
Johnston is a small man, short and light; but by perfect
weight-control, footwork, and timing he hits with terrific speed.
His service is a slice. Hit from the top of his reach Johnston
gets power and twist on the ball with little effort.
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