René Lacoste was the first player on the French team to step up to the net at Boston’s upscale Longwood Cricket Club in Chestnut Hill. Competing in the first singles match against Australia, France’s rising star was pitted against James O. Anderson. The 27-year-old Australian was a seasoned veteran and played a tough game. It proved too much for the young Lacoste, who went down in 3 sets – although he fought bravely up until match point.

Newspapers the following day described the match as “one of the most beautiful to have ever taken place on this court”. Although Lacoste lost his match that day in Boston, he still won himself a reputation, and an aura. People as far away as in the United States now recognized Lacoste's talent and had got a glimpse of his character. Although some journalists still insisted on spelling his name wrong, writing it “René La Coste”.

The round did not go well for the French. After Lacoste’s defeat, Brugnon also lost his match. Australia now led 2-0. And then 3-0, after Lacoste and Brugnon went down in five hard-fought sets against the Australian doubles pair. France were out and Australia would challenge the defending champions, the United States, in the Davis Cup finals. Yet Lacoste made the most of his remaining opportunity to shine on American soil.

The French tennis prodigy easily won his last singles match, giving France their only point in this uneven encounter. But the young hero returned home from his trip to America with a whole host of memories. Better still, he came home with a nickname. Journalists covering the event had heard about the crocodile skin suitcase and the deal Lacoste had struck with his team coach. Given how tenacious and determined he had come across on the court, they drew a parallel. In the articles recounting the final moments of this round of the Davis Cup, Lacoste saw himself dubbed “the crocodile” for the first time. Nobody knew it yet, but this was the beginning of another story – one that would be just as remarkable.