Signals
The only incident yesterday occurred when the referee, Mr. Cliff Sproule, stopped play in the ninth game of the second set of the Schroeder-Rose match and walked across to the front row of the northern stand and spoke to the American coach, Jack Kramer.
When he returned to his central chair Mr. Sproule spoke to both captains, Shields (U.S.A.), and Hopman (Aust.).
None would comment after the match, but it seemed that Kramer must have been giving hand signals to Schroeder.
Crowds gather at White City to watch Australian and American Davis Cup squad players compete in a series of lawn tennis matches. December 29, 1951,Credit:Staff photographer
It is many years since such brilliant tennis has been played at White City as that produced by Sedgman yesterday.
His volleying was precise and angled. His ground shots were punishing and deceptive and clipping the lines. His service was varied in pace and direction and he rarely failed overhead.
Seixas was indeed unlucky to meet Sedgman in such devastating form and on a day he played so well that he would have beaten any other opponent.
His spinning service came back to him like a bullet, or was often hit for an outright winner.
Referee Cliff Sproule speaking to American manager Frank Shields after halting play in the second set between Mervyn Rose and Ted Schroeder.Credit:Staff photographer
He volleyed sharply and angled his shots, but Sedgman came from nowhere and picked up what seemed winners and turned them against Seixas.
In spite of such a barrage Seixas never weakened. He fought valiantly when set and match points piled up against him and won many of them.
By contrast with the final game, the match between Rose and Schroeder was insignificant and extremely dull, and did not equal that of the first day’s play.
He fought in characteristic manner and took advantage of the many opportunities Rose presented to him. Rose frittered away his leads and generally gave a dispirited display. At times he surprised with flashing shots, but his bursts were short-lived.
The president of the Australian Lawn Tennis Association, Sir Norman Brookes, introduced the Prime Minister, Mr. Menzies, who presented the Cup.
Praise
Sir Norman said: “We are delighted to feel that the Cup is with us for another year and that we will have our American friends, I hope, back again next year.”
Loading
Presenting the cup, Mr. Menzies said:
“We’ve all enjoyed this Davis Cup tremendously. I do not remember a series that has given so much pleasure to so many people.
Mr. Menzies added that Sedgman was one of the “most complete champions any game has ever produced.”
From the Archives, 1951: Sedgman secures Davis Cup
Source: Philippines Alive
