opponent has run out a winner.  This happened to me at Wimbledon in 1908 against Mrs. Sterry.  I was behind the whole time, and it was a great relief in the second set to hear the score at last called five games all.  But I had hardly taken a breather when Mrs. Sterry secured the set by seven games to five.  The eleventh game I played almost unconsciously, so relieved was I at getting on even terms, when I ought to have spared no effort to win that critical game, even if I had failed.  These three matches—­and I could mention many others—­show how important it is to play hard right up to the last stroke of the match, letting nothing put you off, never losing your temper, taking umpire’s bad decisions and all the little annoyances that may disturb you in a sportsmanlike manner—­keeping your whole attention, in fact, absolutely concentrated on the game.

[Illustration:  MISS MAY SUTTON, WHO WON THE LADIES’ CHAMPIONSHIP AT WIMBLEDON, 1905, 1907]

In a single it is best when serving to stand as near the centre of the base-line as possible.  In this position you have greater command of your court, and there is not so much scope for your opponent to put the ball out of your reach.  Miss May Sutton, the American lady champion and ex-champion of England, in her desire to stand as near the centre of the court as she possibly can, gets so close that umpires find it very difficult to tell whether she is serving from the right court or the wrong.  In fact, I think I am right in saying she has actually been pulled up for stepping over the centre line of the base-line.  If you stand as close as she does you are liable to step over the line unconsciously.  Stand as near the centre line as possible, but without any risk of stepping over it.  On the other hand, there are players who prefer to serve from the other extreme end.  Mr. A.W.  Gore, the present champion of England, is one of these, but personally I cannot see any advantage in this position.  It seems to leave so much open court, of which your adversary will not be slow to make use.

Use the overhead service for choice, but have an underhand service ready at your command—­it may come in very useful for a change.  Remember that a good-length, well-placed service is better than a very fast one, and much less tiring in a long match.  Keep your opponent wondering where the service will come next; vary it as much as you possibly can, both as to pace and direction.  Be sure to make your opponent move to take it.

I have tried the American service, but I think the strain is too severe for the average girl, and the advantage gained would be very slight, for the rest of your game would deteriorate, owing to fatigue.  It places so much tension on all the muscles of the body, and I do not think it would do a girl’s health any good to cultivate it.  Of course if she were abnormally strong and did not feel the effects of the physical effort, she would be a tower of strength in the land, and her service would be an invaluable one.