Tennis Mourns Leading Agent Ken Meyerson

Leading tennis agent Ken Meyerson, the long-time manager of Andy Roddick and many other ATP World Tour and WTA players, passed away Wednesday night. The 48-year-old American was president of Lagardère Unlimited’s tennis division.

Roddick was one of the first players to take to Twitter to mark Meyerson’s passing: Ken. 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"

Fernando Gonzalez tweeted: #wewillmissyoukenny Thanks for the great job, moments and your care, YOU ARE THE MAN!!! Love you baby

Meyerson began his career in tennis 25 years ago working with Donald Dell at ProServ in 1987. He managed ProServ’s international tennis business and worked with high-profile players including Stefan Edberg, Jimmy Connors and Yannick Noah. In 1990, Meyerson left ProServ to run MBD’s tennis representation business in Switzerland. While there, he signed Michael Stich, who won Wimbledon in 1991.

In 1991, Meyerson established a partnership called MS Consulting, which was based in Salzburg, Austria. It was a successful tennis representation business that primarily represented German tennis players. In addition, MS consulting represented five of the top 100 players. MS Consulting also operated tennis events throughout Germany.

Meyerson founded Sports Advisor Services in Miami in 1997, where he continued to represent tennis players and provide consulting services to manufacturers, including Puma.

In 1999, Meyerson joined SFX Sports Group to become the President of SFX’s tennis division. Meyerson grew this division from a handful of noteworthy clients to include marquee players such as Andy Roddick, Justine Henin, Fernando Gonzalez, Mardy Fish and Bob and Mike Bryan.

He played a pivotal role in the company representing such top young talent as Sam Querrey, Victoria Azarenka, John Isner, and Caroline Wozniacki. In 2006, Meyerson united with Blue Equity, LLC and continued as the President of BEST Tennis.  In 2009, Meyerson joined Lagardère, where he was named President of Lagardère Unlimited Tennis.

Meyerson graduated from the American University in Paris with a BA in Business Administration.

"Ken was a very hard worker and was always determined to do his best, both for his clients and for the company.” said Lagardère Chairman Arnaud Lagardère. “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.  We were proud that we chose him to start our US sports operation.  He became, and will always be, one of my closest friends and I will miss him dearly. At this time, I think of his family, Claudia and his two girls."

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ken’s family during this difficult time.” said Kevin O’Connor, COO of Lagardère Unlimited.

“Words cannot describe how wonderful, loving and caring Ken was. He lit up every room he walked in, and treated every client like family; in fact they were family. The tennis and sports community lost a great friend and leader. Let’s all take a moment to reflect on loved ones and remember Ken for the love and passion he shared with so many.”

Ken is survived by his wife, Claudia, and daughters Charlotte and Emily.

Arrangements are pending for memorial services. The Meyerson and Lagardère families ask for privacy in this difficult time as they celebrate Ken in the coming days.