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Guardian Weekly July 4 1970

Carnage at Wimbledon

Once again there was a cataclysmic ending to the first week of Wimbledon. The middle Saturday is usually dangerous for seeds, but this time the carnage was so great that afterwards the tournament resembled one of those Jacobean tragedies in which all the leading actors are stabbed or poisoned and only harrowed survivors are left to bury the pile of corpses.

Here, indeed, was a windy day on which the stars became star-crossed. It was full of defeats on the grand scale and massive surprises. Who would have believed that the second week would begin without Rod Laver, the World champion and the winner for the last two years, or Arthur Ashe, the great hope of the United States?

Only three of the players seeded to reach the last eight of the men's singles took their places in the quarter-finals and three of the women's seeds also fell on Saturday — Virginia Wade, who went out in the manner of Lady Macbeth, successfully and emotionally aggressive for three matches and then suddenly sleep-walking in the fourth act, Kerry Melville, and Julie Heldman.

The British had two victories to celebrate, Roger Taylor's 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 dismissal of Laver — the defeat of the favourite by the sixteenth seed and the best British singles player in the men's game since the war — and Winnie Shaw's 6-4, 6-4 over Miss Melville, who had been placed fourth.

Both occurred towards the end of the second hour of play and as Taylor advanced steadily towards success with the swagger of a strong man who knows that he is on top, it became almost impossible to play on the other courts. All eyes were on the outside Centre Court scoreboard. As Miss Shaw, who played on Court No. 2, remarked: "Everyone was cheering and cheering.

The Yorkshire left-hander set to work on those frailties and on this day he found the world champion more vulnerable than usual. Before this match the strange point about Laver's play had been that he had begun so well at this Wimbledon that he had insisted on putting his foot on the accelerator from the start.

Last year he found his full power slowly, almost losing to Premjit Lall and Stan Smith. This time he was noticeably hurrying in his first two matches, and when Frew McMillan had the temerity to take a set from him in the third round, Laver punished him by allowing him only two games in the next two remaining sets. Suddenly the master, who has made it his habit to pace himself carefully through Wimbledon, was leading with all his aces. After the McMillan match there were people who asked themselves what he was trying to prove.

Perhaps, one thought as he cut the South African to pieces, he wants quick victories because he is not sure that his elbow or that bound-up right ankle, with plaster showing above the sock, will stand long matches. With Laver confidence and patience in match play used to go hand in hand (remember how often he could lose the first two sets and still win), but here he was at the peak of his form and he was not prepared to let Taylor get the better of him.

The most important game came at 4-1 in the fourth set. He had to be sure of stopping any counter-attack there, and he served and lost only one point. There was no Australian challenge and no snap in Laver's service in the last game. The end came with a double fault.

It was Laver's first defeat at Wimbledon since Neale Fraser, another left-hander, beat him in the 1960 final. Droopy, his conqueror in 1958, was also left-handed and the only right-hander to have beaten him was Alex Olmedo in the 1959 final.

He made no excuses. He has been perfectly fit — "I always walk like this. I have got a heavy left side and he disliked losing because it was not his nature. He had not been nervous. "Perhaps that was the trouble." Certainly it was surprising to see him fail without lighting a single firework.

When someone asked him who he thought the next champion would be he said: "Rosewall, Newcombe, Roche or Ashe," but Ashe lost to Andres Gimeno, the Spanish professional, by a dismal 7-5, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4. Taylor's victory within two hours of his prophecy. Perhaps Laver's fall brought him down as well. If the American had been keeping himself up for a final against Laver, Taylor's victory suddenly opened the door wider than had seemed possible before.

"There is tremendous excitement in the dressing room," said one player. "They all feel they have a chance now that Laver is out."

Gimeno, however, now 32 and so far never at his best at Wimbledon, stood in his way. The Spaniard had beaten Ashe in the final at Madison Square Garden last year and now he repeated that success most elegantly. Ashe played like an inhibited shadow of himself. His first service kept missing and Gimeno dealt with his second firmly and gracefully.

In the women's singles Miss

The image displays a newspaper article titled "Carnage at Wimbledon" from the Guardian Weekly dated July 4, 1970. The article discusses the events and outcomes of the first week of Wimbledon tennis tournament that year.

Key points mentioned in the article include:

1. Defeats and Surprises: The article highlights a series of unexpected defeats and surprising results. Notable players such as Rod Laver, Virginia Wade, and others faced significant setbacks.

2. Laver's Struggle: The article focuses on Rod Laver's performance, mentioning his early losses and his struggles with injuries. Despite his past success, Laver had a tough time, losing several matches due to both injuries and tactical issues.

3. Taylor’s Resilience: Roger Taylor's steady progress is noted, especially his victory against Laver, despite being the underdog.

4. Winnie Shaw's Performance: Winnie Shaw, playing on Court 2, is praised for her performance, winning a match and being noted for her resilience and effort.

5. Kerry Melville and Arthur Ashe: The article mentions the emotional defeat of Kerry Melville and the significant success of Arthur Ashe, who was noted for his aggressive play and strong performance.

6. Laver's Habit and Confidence: The article discusses Laver's habit of pacing himself and his confidence issues, contrasting his professional prowess with his mental state during the tournament.

The article provides a detailed account of the tournament’s early stages, capturing the dramatic and unexpected twists in the matches.

The image is a newspaper clipping from the Guardian Weekly, dated July 4, 1970. The headline reads "Carnage at Wimbledon," indicating a tumultuous first week of the Wimbledon tennis tournament. The article discusses various dramatic events and outcomes.

Key points include:

1. Cataclysmic Ending: The first week of Wimbledon was described as dangerous for seeds, with a significant number of players eliminated unexpectedly.
2. Laver’s Performance: Rod Laver, the World Champion, struggled with a series of defeats. He lost to the Yorkshire left-hander, who was described as having the same frailties as others but managed to exploit them. Laver's defeat was noted as a significant blow, being his first since Neal Fraser in the 1960 final and his first against a left-hander since Alex Olmedo in 1959.
3. Roger Taylor's Victory: Roger Taylor defeated Laver in a dramatic match, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2, showcasing his resilience and strength.
4. British Victories: The British team celebrated victories by Roger Taylor, and Arthur Ashe (the great hope of the United States) was noted for his impressive performance.
5. Other Notable Matches:
   • Virginia Wade, who had a strong run, was defeated by Kerry Melville and Julie Heldman.
   • Stan Smith and Premjit Lall were also mentioned in the context of their matches.
6. Player Observations: The article mentions the nervousness and vulnerability of players like Laver, and how he was perceived to be pacing himself too carefully, leading to his defeat.

The article is written by David Gray and includes a personal reflection on the matches, suggesting a narrative of high stakes, unexpected outcomes, and the psychological aspects of the tournament.

The image is a page from the Guardian Weekly dated July 4, 1970, featuring an article titled "Carnage at Wimbledon" by David Gray. The article discusses the events of the first week of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, highlighting the upsets and notable performances.

Key points from the article include:

1. General Overview:

   • The first week of Wimbledon was marked by dramatic results and upsets, with many leading players being defeated.

2. Notable Defeats:

   • Rod Laver: The World champion and winner of the last two years, was defeated by Arthur Ashe.
   • Virginia Wade: Lost in the fourth round.
   • Kerry Melville and Julie Heldman: Also suffered defeats.
   • Roger Taylor: Defeated Laver 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2, which was a significant upset given Laver's status.
   • Winnie Shaw: Lost to Miss Melville in the women's singles.

3. Arthur Ashe:

   • Ashe's victory over Laver was notable as he became the first African-American to win a match at Wimbledon.
   • Ashe was praised for his calm demeanor and sportsmanship, even when facing a heavy favorite like Laver.

4. Laver's Performance:

   • Despite Laver's loss, he was noted for his powerful play and consistent performance.
   • His defeat was attributed to his own frailties and not just his opponent's skill.

5. Other Highlights:

   • Premjit Lall and Stan Smith were also defeated.
   • Frew McMillan was praised for his tenacity and ability to take sets from Laver.
   • Roger Taylor's victory was seen as a demonstration of strength and resilience, especially after losing the first set.

6. Analysis and Commentary:

   • The article includes commentary on the psychological aspects of the game, such as Laver’s habit of pacing himself carefully and Taylor's resilience in the face of adversity.
   • The article notes that Taylor's victory opened the door for other players to challenge Laver, who was seen as invincible.

The article captures the dramatic and emotional rollercoaster of the early rounds of the tournament, emphasizing the unpredictability and excitement of Wimbledon.

The image is a scanned article from the Guardian Weekly, dated July 4, 1970, titled "Carnage at Wimbledon" by David Gray. The article discusses the dramatic events of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, particularly focusing on the men's singles matches.

Key points from the article include:

1. Tournament Overview:

   • The first week of Wimbledon ended with numerous high-profile players being eliminated, creating a significant "carnage."
   • The middle Saturday was particularly dangerous for seeded players.

2. Survivors and Defeats:

   • Only three of the initial leading players made it to the quarter-finals of the men's singles.
   • Notable players like Rod Laver, the defending champion and a strong contender, were still in the competition.
   • The article mentions that the last two years' winners, Rod Laver and Arthur Ashe, were the main hopes for the United States.

3. Women's Singles:

   • Virginia Wade reached the final in the women's singles, winning her matches convincingly and emotionally.
   • Julie Heldman also had a notable performance.

4. British Players:

   • Roger Taylor had a significant victory, defeating the 16th seed and becoming the best British performer in men's singles since the war.

5. Laver's Struggles:

   • Rod Laver had to work hard to overcome difficulties, particularly in his match against Premjit Lall and Stan Smith.
   • Laver's match against Dennis Ralston was particularly challenging, with Laver losing the first two sets but eventually winning in five sets.
   • Laver's doubles partner, Roy Emerson, lost to Taylor, marking Taylor's second significant victory at Wimbledon.

6. Taylor's Success:

   • Taylor continued his success by defeating another strong opponent, Alex Metreveli, in the fourth round.

7. Final Moments:

   • The article notes the drama and pressure of the matches, with Laver narrowly avoiding defeat and Taylor showing impressive resilience.
   • The emotional and physical toll of the tournament on players is highlighted.

The article captures the intense and unpredictable nature of Wimbledon 1970, emphasizing the surprises and the resilience of certain players like Rod Laver and Roger Taylor.

The image is a newspaper clipping from the Guardian Weekly dated July 4, 1970. The article is titled "Carnage at Wimbledon" and is written by David Gray. It describes the unexpected early exits of several top-seeded players in the Wimbledon tennis tournament, which the author likens to a "cataclysmic ending."

Key points from the article include:

1. Early Exits of Top Seeds: The first week of Wimbledon saw several top players being eliminated early, including Rod Laver, the reigning champion, and Arthur Ashe, the great hope of the United States.

2. Notable Matches:

   • Virginia Wade, who exited in a dramatic fashion, losing to Lady Macbeth (likely a nickname or pseudonym).
   • Roger Taylor's victory over Laver, which was a significant upset.
   • Winnie Shaw's win over Kerry Melville.

3. Rod Laver's Defeat:

   • Laver, who had been struggling with his form, was defeated by Roger Taylor.
   • Taylor's aggressive play and Laver's uncharacteristic frailties contributed to the upset.
   • Laver's first defeat at Wimbledon since 1958.

4. Reactions and Analysis:

   • Laver's loss was surprising given his usual dominance.
   • Taylor's victory was seen as a significant achievement, opening up the tournament.
   • The article speculates on who might win the tournament now that Laver is out, mentioning players like Rosewall, Newcombe, and Gimeno.

5. Other Observations:

   • The article notes the emotional and competitive nature of the matches.
   • It highlights the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the excitement it brings.

Overall, the article captures the drama and unpredictability of the Wimbledon tournament, focusing on the major upsets and the reactions to these unexpected outcomes.

The image displays a newspaper or magazine page with an article titled "Carnage at Wimbledon." The article is dated "Guardian Weekly July 4, 1970." It is written by David Gray and concerns events during the middle Saturday of Wimbledon in the referenced year, which is noted for being dangerous for seeds in tennis tournament brackets.

The article's narrative starts by characterizing the day as "cataclysmic" with defeats of top-ranked tennis players—specifically mentioning Rod Laver, the "World champion and the winner for the last two years, of Arthur Ashe," despite the high expectations of their performances. The text further discusses specific matches and players, including a Yorkshire left-hander, Stan Smith, and Frew McMillan, highlighting their playstyles and the upsets that occurred.

Additionally, the article mentions women's singles results with a certain "Miss Wade" who defeated Lady MacLean. Other players are mentioned as well, such as Roger Taylor's win and Winnie Shaw's loss, with scores provided for their matches.

Further details discuss tennis match observations, player strategies, and the surprises in the match outcomes. Overall, the article provides a detailed account of the surprising and dramatic events that took place at Wimbledon in 1970.

Description of the Image

The image shows a page from the Guardian Weekly dated July 4, 1970, featuring an article titled "Carnage at Wimbledon" by David Gray. The article is a detailed account of the events that unfolded during the first week of the Wimbledon tennis tournament. The layout and design are typical of a newspaper article from the early 1970s, with a clean, typed font and structured paragraphs.

Content Overview:

1. Headline:

   • The bold, prominent headline, "Carnage at Wimbledon," sets the tone for the article, suggesting dramatic and unexpected events occurred during the tournament.

2. Introduction:

   • The opening paragraph introduces the theme of the article, describing a "cataclysmic ending" to the first week of Wimbledon. It highlights the intensity and unexpected nature of the matches, likening the aftermath to a scene from Shakespearean tragedy, where leading players are "harrowed survivors" left to bury the "pile of corpses."

3. Main Body:

   • The article delves into the specific matches and performances that defined the week. Key points include:
     • Rod Laver's Performance: The article focuses on Rod Laver, the world champion, who was expected to win easily but faced unexpected challenges. It describes his struggles, particularly against Yorkshire left-hander Premill Lall, where Laver's usual dominance faltered.
     • Laver's Vulnerability: The text emphasizes Laver's vulnerabilities, such as his "frailties" and a "strange point" in his match where he insisted on putting his foot on the accelerator from the start, leading to a slow start and eventual defeat.
     • Other Matches: The article also mentions other significant matches, including Arthur Ashe's victory over Winnie Shaw, Roger Taylor's dismissal of Laver, and the performances of Julie Heldman, Kerry Melville, and Virginia Wade.
     • Taylor's Dominance: It highlights Roger Taylor’s strong performance, noting that he advanced steadily and was described as an "almost impossible" opponent on the outside courts.

4. Author Attribution:

   • The byline, "by David Gray," is prominently displayed in the center of the page, indicating the author of the article.

5. Visual Layout:

   • The article is formatted in a classic newspaper style, with justified text and clear paragraph breaks. The page number and publication details ("Guardian Weekly July 4 1970") are visible at the top left corner.
   • The text is dense and packed with details, reflecting the depth of the reporting typical of sports journalism from that era.

Key Themes:

• Drama and Surprise: The article emphasizes the unexpected nature of the tournament, with upsets and surprising performances.
• Player Performances: It provides detailed accounts of key players, their strategies, and the challenges they faced.
• Historical Context: As a piece from 1970, the article offers a glimpse into the tennis landscape of the time, including the dominance of certain players and the competitive spirit of the era.

Overall, the image depicts a well-written, detailed sports article capturing the intensity and drama of the early stages of the 1970 Wimbledon tournament.

The image is a scanned page from the "Guardian Weekly" dated July 4, 1970, featuring an article titled "Carnage at Wimbledon." The article discusses the intense and dramatic events of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, focusing on the struggles and performances of the players, particularly the Australian tennis player Rod Laver. The article highlights Laver's challenges, including his vulnerability and the physical toll of the tournament, and his eventual defeat by the American player Ken Rosewall. The article also touches on the performances of other notable players, such as Roger Taylor and Virginia Wade, and the overall atmosphere of the tournament, which is described as chaotic and filled with unexpected outcomes.

The image is a scanned page from a newspaper or magazine, specifically from the Guardian Weekly dated July 4, 1970. The page is titled "Carnage at Wimbledon," indicating that it covers events from the Wimbledon tennis tournament. The article is written by David Gray.

The text is organized into several paragraphs, with a mix of bold and regular fonts. The bold text likely highlights key points or quotes, while the regular font is used for the main body of the article. The layout is typical of a newspaper article, with justified text and a clean, straightforward design.

The content of the article discusses the outcomes of the Wimbledon tournament, focusing on the men's singles event. It mentions the unexpected elimination of top players such as Rod Laver and Arthur Ashe in the early rounds. Laver, a two-time Wimbledon champion, and Ashe, a significant hope for the United States, both fell early in the tournament.

The article also highlights the performances of other players, including Stan Smith and Frew McMillan, who had notable matches. It describes the challenges faced by players, such as the physical demands and the pressure of the tournament.

The tone of the article is analytical and descriptive, providing insights into the strategies and mental states of the players. It also touches on the broader context of the tournament, including the excitement and unpredictability that characterize Wimbledon.

Overall, the article captures the drama and unpredictability of the Wimbledon tournament, highlighting the unexpected outcomes and the performances of various players.