The converse of the Schwarz Lemma is false

Abstract

Let $h:X\to Y$ be a homeomorphism between hyperbolic surfaces with finite topology. If $h$ is homotopic to a holomorphic map, then every closed geodesic in $X$ is at least as long as the corresponding geodesic in $Y$, by the Schwarz Lemma. The converse holds trivially when $X$ and $Y$ are disks or annuli, and it holds when $X$ and $Y$ are closed surfaces by a theorem of W. Thurston. We prove that the converse is false in all other cases, strengthening a result of Masumoto.

arXiv comment8 pages, 2 figures