Americans

TONY TRABERT, 24 (6 ft. 1 in., 180 lb.): Defending U.S. titleholder; he has everything a tennis champion needs, every stroke in the book and tremendous power. Handsome Cincinnatian swept this title last year without losing a set. Spotty 1954 record can be blamed only partly on blistered hands, mostly on inability to get into right frame of mind to accomplish the business at hand. Potentially he's best U.S. player since Kramer—and best in the world, too.

HAM RICHARDSON, 21 (6 ft., 158 lb.): U.S. collegiate champion from Tulane; progressing at last, but still hasn't lived up to full greatness predicted for him at 16. Service is excellent, game generally sound but hampered by slow reactions at net. A diabetic who must take insulin, he still lacks pace control during long matches. Campaigned in Australia in 1953 for experience, could be just the man for a Cup singles berth.

VIC SEIXAS, 31 next week (6 ft., 160 lb.): This real veteran can still play brilliantly but seldom has since winning at Wimbledon in 1953. Unorthodox shots are either way off or very much on, his game usually very good or very bad. Serves well at times, generally only adequately. Over-tennised for two years, the Philadelphia ace is now rested and very keen to hold his berth on next Cup squad. This may be his last chance.

BOB PERRY, 21 (6 ft. 2 in., 160 lb.): Like Richardson, he has had great opportunity to develop-but hasn't. Now must prove himself or be left out of U.S. future picture for good. UCLA star, with advantages of California tennis support, his strokes are sound off the ground, service can be very good. Volleying needs improvement. Showed promising potential as national boys' champion in 1947, but seems to have missed the boat since then.