Etchebaster, Pierre

Pierre Etchebaster
Born: December 08, 1893
Died: March 24, 1980
Hometown: St. Jean-de-luz, France
Citizenship: France
Handed: Right
Inducted: 1978

Tournament Record
World Court Tennis Champion 1928-54

A Basque maestro of the racket in the complex game of court tennis, the short, trim, elegant Pierre Etchebaster was probably the greatest to roam the arcane concrete cubicle. Migrating to New York from his French homeland, he became the resident paragon at the Racquet & Tennis Club on Park Avenue, as player and instructor. Traveling to London to challenge for the world title in 1927, he lost to the champion G.F. Covey, 7 sets-to-5 in Prince’s Club.

However, a year later on the same court he dethroned Covey, 7-5. Thereafter, he repelled seven challenges himself, the first at Prince’s, the remainder on his home paving, Racquet & Tennis: 1930, Walter Kinsella, 7-1; 1937, Ogden Phipps, 3-1, injured; 1948, Phipps, 7-2; 1948, James Deal, 7-4; 1949, Phipps 7-1; 1950, Alastair Martin, 7-0; 1952, Martin 7-2.

He retired as unbeaten champion in 1954 at age 60. His 26-year reign as world champion is the longest of any athlete in any sport. A right-hander, he was born December 8, 1893, in St. Jean de Luz, France and died there March 24, 1980. He entered the Hall Fame in 1978.

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