Andy Murray goes from Centre Court to the stage for a four-stop tour to talk about his tennis career

Ken Flach, one of the game’s greatest doubles players, died on Monday after a brief illness. The six-time Grand Slam champion was 54, and is survived by his wife Christina and children.

After starring at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Flach and his college teammate Robert Seguso took the doubles world by storm in the 1980s. Among their 28 titles together were the 1985 US Open, Wimbledon in 1987 and 1988, and the Olympic gold medal in ’88. Flach also won the US Open in 1993 with Rick Leach, and captured two majors in mixed doubles with Kathy Jordan.

Flach and Seguso were also stalwarts for the U.S. Davis Cup team, going 11-2 in doubles. After his playing career, Flach became the tennis coach at Vanderbilt University, taking the men's team to the NCAA tournament for the first time in 1999.

Condolences have come in from many of Flach’s peers, including his fellow medal-winning compatriots on that U.S. team.

Pam Shriver, who won the Gold medal in women’s doubles in Seoul that year, also acknowledged the recent loss of another Olympic medalist, Jana Novotna.

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#RIPKenFlach the social media posts the past 5 days from his loving family have given us all a chance to pray, reflect, and hope for the best. I am so very sad. Olympic flat mates in Seoul both winning doubles gold. Now Ken joins Jana, Seoul silver medalist in tennis in heaven.
— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) March 13, 2018

Bronze medalist Brad Gilbert, offered his thoughts and noted Flach’s passion for another sport.

so gutted 😞 hearing the passing last night of Ken Flach he lived in marin County the last 9 years,was such a gifted doubles player lightning quick hands tremendous partnership with Robert Seguso , absolutely loved his golf 🏌️‍♀️ he is survived by his wife and 4 kids
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) March 13, 2018

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Tim Mayotte, who took the silver medal in singles during the ’88 games for the U.S., expressed himself as well.

Absolutely shocked and deeply saddened upon hearing about the death of Ken Flach. He was a wonderful and warm man. So sad for his family.
— Tim Mayotte (@TimMayotte) March 13, 2018

The 1990 French Open champion Andres Gomez had this to say:

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So sad with the news of Ken Flash’s passing !! Muy triste con el deceso de Ken Flach!! Descansa en paz amigo!!
— Andres Gomez (@AndresGomezGogo) March 13, 2018

Paul Annacone, who had success in singles and doubles the same time as Flach, acknowledged the impact on the tennis community and Flach’s family.

Sometimes we get sobering reminders of the fragility of life and what we have each day , today tennis lost a family member: more importantly children lost a father a wife lost a husband , siblings lost brother ,, thank you for your friendship memories will last 4ever #RIPKenFlach
— Paul Annacone (@paul_annacone) March 13, 2018

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USTA president and former WTA doubles standout Katrina Adams offered her condolences to all who knew Flach.

It’s hard writing this, as a tennis champion my #WTT teammate and friend #KenFlach passed away last night. My ❤️ goes out to his wife Christina, his family and friends. #gonetoosoon #RIPKenFlach #usta
— Katrina Adams 🦋 (@katadams68) March 13, 2018

Carling Bassett-Seguso, a former Top 10 singles star and wife of Robert Seguso, told the ATP: “He was taken much too young. It doesn't seem fair, but I have to remember all the wonderful times we had throughout the 31 years of friendship. Ken will always hold a very special place in our hearts, with the fondest of memories.”

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias

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