

Von Cramm and his

Captain Kleinschroth

One month later, he was once again beaten by Budge in 5 sets at the Forest Hills final. Von Cramm did, however, have the satisfaction of winning the doubles with Henkel, beating Budge and Mako in straight sets, but that was little consolation compared to the defeat in the Davis Cup. What is more, the American Budges domination of world tennis was now clearly established. The Australian Championships which followed led to still further defeats. Von Cramm was crushed by Bromwich in the mens singles semi-finals and partnering Henkel in the mens doubles he also went down against Quist-Bromwich in the final. To make matters worse, this was the year that his great rival Budge finally achieved the Grand Slam. It was a beaten Von Crammwho returned to Germany where he was criticised by his leaders and attacked from all sides. Accused of being homosexual, which was an easy crime to use at the time in Germany to get rid of an opponent, he was immediately tried and imprisoned!

