OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENTS

The United States Lawn Tennis Association, for long the last stronghold of amateurism in its original unadulterated form, has finally let down the bars prohibiting tournaments open to both professionals and amateurs. No doubt the first effect will be to settle questions which tennis devotees have argued since Vincent Richards and Mile. Lenglen succumbed to the wiles of Mr. C. C. Pyle. Now the Yonkers star can match his skill with those virtuous members of the First Ten who do not accept rewards for playing, and it will be seen whether playing tennis for money has affected his ability. If Suzanne can be persuaded to agree on a time and place at which she will be in proper health of mind and body, no doubt Miss Wills will try to take her measure. Mr. Pyle will find his investment to have increased greatly in value and the change will be enjoyed by most.

It will not need many more moves such as this one to show the U. S. L. T. A. that the line at present dividing professional and amateur players has become almost invisible. There is certainly nothing to be lost by permitting the open tournaments, and the stimulus they will give to public interest is alone worth gaining. It seems as if the Association has recognized the fact that its old position is rapidly becoming untenable; if the latest move is to be taken as indicating a tendency it is inevitable that it must soon be re-established on some new basis.