Pierre Etchebaster

Pierre Etchebaster ( born December 8, 1893 in Saint -Jean -de -Luz, France, † March 24, 1980 also in Saint -Jean -de -Luz ) was a French real tennis player (French Jeu de Paume ), the precursor of modern tennis sport.

Biography

Etchebaster served in the First World War, emigrated from France to New York City and was as a player and coach member of the " Racquet & Tennis Club on Park Avenue ." In 1927 he traveled to London and challenged the reigning champion Fred Covey, but lost this encounter in five to seven sets ( 5-7). However, a year later, he dethroned Covey 7-5 and won another seven challenges to 1954. He ended his active career in 1954 at the age of sixty years for a total of 26 years as the undefeated champion. In 1978 for this performance in the Jeu de Paume, the induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.