Tennis Mastermind: Henri Cochet

Tennis Mastermind: Henri Cochet

Elegant Master Of The Volley
“Victory comes from finding opportunities in disorder.” – Sun Tzu (The Art of War)

The Tournament In Paris
At three o’clock in the afternoon, the Parisian sunshine reflected off the dusty clay of Stade Roland Garros. There was tension in the air even though the International Challenge Tournament had already been settled. The decisive doubles match earlier had ended the United States stubborn resistance and given France an unassailable 3-1 lead overall.

Now Henri Cochet, standing at the baseline, was ready to serve another game in a largely inconsequential match. It was what the local press had called “match sans enjeu” or a match without stakes. Cochet glances up for another look at his opponent across the net. Ellsworth Vines met his gaze without fear. He was a fine specimen of a man, over 6 feet tall, lanky, speedy, and full of skill and power. He had already…