Thursday, October 20, 2011

Top tennis agent Meyerson dies at 48

Tennis agent Ken Meyerson, who represented Grand Slam winners Andy Roddick, Chris Evert and Justine Henin, has died. He was 48. Meyerson died Wednesday night at his home in Florida, according to a statement by his agency, Lagardere Unlimited. The cause of death was not immediately known. Meyerson had been president of Lagardere's tennis division since 2009. "Ken was a very hard worker and was always determined to do his best, both for his clients and for the company," agency chairman Arnaud Lagardere said in the statement. "His clients were his extended family and there was nothing he wouldn't, or couldn't, accomplish on their behalf. Ken is, and will remain, an inspiration to all of our agents." Before joining Lagardere, Meyerson was president of BEST Tennis from 2006-09. During a nearly 25-year career in tennis that began in 1987, Meyerson also worked with ProServ, one of the earliest sports management firms, and the SFX Sports Group. As news of his death spread, Meyerson was being honored by a number of agents and players, including American players Mardy Fish and John Isner. Roddick tweeted: "I love you and miss you. I will be forever grateful for your faith & loyalty. You will forever be my brother. As always `thanks Meyerson."' Meyerson is survived by his wife, Claudia, and daughters Charlotte and Emily. Funeral arrangements are pending.