Los Angeles, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Vic Braden, a former tennis player who became one of the nation's top tennis instructors, died from complications of congestive heart failure at the age of 85.
He died Monday at his home in Trabuco Canyon in Orange County, according to his wife of 43 years, Melody Braden.
Braden, who played in the late 1940s and early '50s, began playing tennis in grade school in his hometown of Monroe, Michigan and captured the Class A state singles title in high school in 1946 and '47.
The 5-foot-6 Braden was a 1951 graduate of Kalamazoo College in Michigan, where he was captain of the tennis team and later inducted into the school's athletic hall of fame. He was one of the top players on teams that won the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships in each of his four years.
Braden turned pro after college at a time when there were only a few professional tennis tournaments. He eventually joined the legendary Jack Kramer on Kramer's fledgling pro tour. Among those Braden played with were Jimmy Evert, the father of Hall-of-Famer Chris Evert, and George Richey, the father of future pros Cliff and Nancy Richey.
"Rest in Peace, Vic Braden.," Chris Evert wrote on her Twitter account. "Innovative, cutting edge kind of guy. Will miss his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game. He'll be greatly missed."
Braden and Kramer later co-founded the Jack Kramer Club in Rolling Hills Estates, California, where future Hall-of-Famer Tracy Austin learned the game as a child.
"So sad to hear of the passing of tennis coach Vic Braden, a pioneer, innovator, & true legend in our sport!" Austin tweeted.
Braden was known for his innovative teaching style, and his application of technology to the basics of tennis instruction. He authored several books and articles on tennis instruction and was a licensed psychologist in California.
"Tennis has lost a treasure," Billie Jean King wrote on Twitter. "he was always on the cutting edge of science in tennis & is an all-time great in our industry."
Braden is also survived by children Kory Braden-Hittelman, Kristen Paul, Troy Davis and Shawn Davis, and four grandchildren. His daughter, Kelly, died 12 years ago from complications of lupus.
Braden's body has been donated to the University of California, Irvine, for research purposes.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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