Bowers writes this as he concludes his chapter for 1938 (
http://www.tennisserver.com/lines/lines_05_07_30.html):
Even as he talked of leaving the game, Ellsworth Vines's greatest challenges lay just ahead. For five years as a pro Elly, now 28, had defeated all comers, primarily in extended North American tours. His body was no longer the slender and supple specimen of the former basketball star. There had been eternal back and perhaps shoulder troubles along with other wear-and-tear aches from the many matches on hard surfaces. If his yearning for golf suggested tennis burn-out, still the competitive flame remained strong, seen in his strong finish against Perry in May 1938. His two-year edge over Fred had been hard-won, and it probably owed most to his powers of concentration and determination, his superior ability to resist distraction. The forehand now had a bit more spin than five years ago, probably more sidespin than top, for control, and the backhand had improved hugely. The all-out serve was a shade less overpowering from the years, certainly a lesser asset in reflection of Perry's fine return ability, though Elly's overall serving ability remained a dependable weapon even on nights where his groundstrokes misbehaved. The drop-shot knack was a valuable addition, but in essence Elly was still the baseline power player, with little margin for error either in clearing the net or in staying within the lines.
Don Budge was in Elly's immediate path, but also ahead were long-awaited face-offs with Nusslein in Europe. Nusslein, also 28, was also approaching a crossroads....
