Jean Robert Borotra

Jean Robert Borotra (Known as "The Bounding Basque")

["tennis player", "Grand Slam champion", "Four Musketeers"]

Born Aug 13, 1898

Biarritz, France

Passed Away Jul 17, 1994 Arbonne, France

Lifespan 95 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Attack, always attack; on the court as in life."

Archival Overview

French tennis champion known as 'The Bounding Basque', four-time Grand Slam singles champion and key member of France's legendary Four Musketeers.

Biographical Record

Jean Robert Borotra (1898–1994), celebrated worldwide as The Bounding Basque, was renowned for his acrobatic net-rushing and trademark black Basque beret. As one of France's legendary Four Musketeers, Borotra won four Grand Slam singles titles (two Wimbledons, one French, one Australian) and 15 Grand Slam doubles titles.

During World War II, Borotra served in the French Resistance and was imprisoned by the Gestapo in Itter Castle in Austria. During the famous Battle of Castle Itter in 1945, he vaulted the castle walls and ran through SS lines disguised as a peasant to summon American reinforcements.

Key Life Milestones

July 5, 1924

First French Wimbledon Singles Champion

Defeated René Lacoste in an all-French final to become the first Frenchman to win the gentlemen's singles at Wimbledon.

May 5, 1945

Heroism at the Battle of Castle Itter

Escaped the besieged Austrian fortress under SS sniper fire to bring American troops to relieve French VIP prisoners.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Cimetière d'Arbonne
Arbonne, France

                         GPS: 43.4319, -1.5519                    

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