Borotra, At 63, Is Still Keen Tennis Player

Press, Volume C, Issue 29671, 15 November 1961, Page 13

Borotra, At 63, Is Still Keen Tennis Player

(From th* London Correspondent of “The PreeFT

Sixty-three-year-old Jean Borotra in London told me he intended to remain ta lawn tennis “as long as the good Lord is. generous and enables me to do sol” The once acrobatic, and still agile Borotra (“I was one of the four—not three— musketeers of French tennis”) was playtag, and well at that, in the veterans' section of the covered-courts international event between France and Greet Britain, at Queen’s Club. This was his 52nd consecutive appearance ta this tournament. Borotra has made two trips to New Zealand, once as a member of the French Davis Cup team in January, 1928, and again ta January of this year, when, as president of the International Lawn Tennis Federation, he had discussions with the New Zealand controlling body. He has the happiest recollections of both visits and of the courtesies extended to him—notably by officialdom last January. “I was so grateful for the welcome they gave me,” he said. New Zealand tennis generally may be, ta the particular circumstances, interested in Borotra’s reply to the question of what he thought of open tournaments. “Ah! Open tournaments,” he said. “Well, my views on the subject are well known. Let me now just say this: on* day, surely, truth and reason will prevail” Speaking of modern lawntennis trends, Borotra thought that perhaps there was too much emphasis on power. Power of service had possibly become too important Power serving was not new. Bill Tilden’s cannonball service was as powerful as any, but in those days all was not just power ta serving. “Look at the recent Wimbledon championships,” Borotra said. “Not once, not even once, was Laver’s service broken. I think that if interest is going to be maintained, then the service must be broken, say, once ta three.

“But the serve has become today a murdering and merderous weapon. “The Musketeers still sometimes manage a game, though Jacques Brugon's active tennis days are almost over,” said Borotra, himself tall, straight as a ramrod, silverhaired, and ta tremendous physical condition for his years.

“Rene Lacoste is bringing to his career ta industry ta Paris, all the intelligence and willpower that he showed on the courts. I, too, am ta industry. Henri Cochet for 20 years has been with the Ministry of Education ta Paris, directing the physical-educa-tion side, and Brugon is ta charge of one of his departments."

Borotra. made his first appearance at Wimbledon ta 1922 and ta the years that followed he and his companions gained many triumphs. The memories ot those rich years are fresh ta his mind.

Of Suzanne Lenglen’s death he speaks still with profound feeling, “Suzanne,” he said, “died in 1938. What a personality she was ... such grace .. . such charm. Suzanne will be remembered as long as tennis is played.” Borotra has no relatives interested ta lawn tennis. His only child, a son, 30-year-pld Yves, who live* in Paris, is Interested ta skiing. “But Yves has given to me the two most wonderful grandchildren any man could

wish for,” he said. Among the names of New Zealand tennis player* well remembered by Borotra ar* those of Cam Malfroy (“a very sporting young man, I remember”), Buster Andrew*. Gerrard, Otwuy. “Your Anthony Wilding, who was killed in th* First World War, must have baan a magnificent- player. I have heard much, of hl* ability. Among, my most treasured possessions i* th* Anthony Wilding Medal I was awarded in 1928 for winning the Australian championship.”

And Borotra’* final reflection upon New Zealand: ’Those new tennis court* in Wellington—Central Park, is it?—each * beautiful setting they ar* in.”