By Bill Nichols

The future of Davis Cup tennis in Cleveland has become cloudy.

There is more than a remote possibility the world tennis championships will no longer be staged in Cleveland after the Challenge Round later this month because of a lack of facilities.

Davis and Wightman Cup matches have been held at old T. Clark Stadium since 1964, but no request has been made by the Cleveland Tennis Association for use of it after this year.

Plans were unveiled in April for a new stadium at the Cleveland Racquet Club on Chagrin Blvd. In Pepper Pike. But money for it isn't yet in sight.

THE COST OF THE NEW STADIUM has been estimated at more than $300,000. Herbert E. Strawbridge, president of the Higbee Company, headed up a fund-raising drive in April in hopes of obtaining the required amount by mid-May. As of now, total pledges total only about $100,000.

Strawbridge held a meeting yesterday with several business and community leaders in hopes of accelerating the drive.

He indicated that if the new stadium isn't constructed, this year's Davis Cup matches would be the last in Cleveland.

Strawbridge said, to his knowledge, the Cleveland Heights School Board didn't want to hold any more matches at Clark Stadium which is on the grounds of Roxboro Junior High School. "We have not encouraged the Association for future years, but again, we haven't been asked. At no time have we encouraged the Association to use the Stadium beyond this year."

A major portion of the Property on which Clark Stadium stands is owned by Cleveland Heights, but there is a section owned by Cleveland.

"THE BOARD OF EDUCATION would like to buy the land owned by Cleveland or take a long lease on it," said Weiss. "Cleveland, however, hasn't given us an answer."

Weiss also revealed the Tennis Association asked to build two additional courts on the site.

"Originally, the board said 'no,' but later changed its mind," said Weiss. "Then the tennis association changed its mind and dropped plans about two new courts.

"We have been reluctant to move in any direction on what to do with the present stadium until a decision is made on the property owned by Cleveland."

In two weeks the United States will defend the Davis Cup against either West Germany or Spain. A successful defense will guarantee the Challenge Round will be played in the U.S. next year -- but not in Cleveland, unless there is a place for it. And much has to be done to make that reality.