What sport did René Lacoste play?

René Lacoste played tennis. He became one of France’s leading tennis players in the 1920s and was one of the “Four Musketeers,” alongside Henri Cochet, Jean Borotra and Jacques Brugnon.

Lacoste won seven Grand Slam singles titles: three French Championships, two Wimbledon titles and two U.S. National Championships. He also helped France win the Davis Cup in 1927 and 1928, ending the United States’ long run of dominance.

His style was built on patience, accuracy and tactical baseline play. He was nicknamed “the Crocodile” for his determined approach to opponents, a nickname that later inspired the famous Lacoste logo. He introduced his signature tennis shirt in 1929 and helped found the Lacoste company with André Gillier in 1933.

A common mix-up is confusing René’s sport with that of his wife, Simone de la Chaume, who was a champion golfer. Their daughter Catherine Lacoste also became a celebrated golfer.