Vic Seixas, a Wimbledon champion and tennis legend who held the distinction of being the oldest living Grand Slam champion, has passed away at the age of 100. The International Tennis Hall of Fame announced Seixas’ death on Saturday, confirming the information from his daughter, Tori. While the cause of death was not disclosed, the Hall of Fame confirmed that the American tennis icon died on Friday.
Seixas was the oldest member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 1971 after a career filled with remarkable achievements. He clinched the Wimbledon singles title in 1953 and followed it up with a victory at the U.S. Championships, now known as the U.S. Open, in 1954.
Seixas was known for his longevity in the sport, playing in the U.S. Championships an astounding 28 times, from 1940 to 1969, the last appearance when he was 45 years old. He was a cornerstone of the Davis Cup team, contributing significantly to the U.S. reaching seven consecutive finals between 1951 and 1957. The Americans faced Australia in all those finals, winning only once in 1954, a victory where Seixas played a pivotal role by winning one singles match and partnering with Tony Trabert to win the doubles.
Beyond singles success, Seixas collected five Grand Slam titles in doubles and eight in mixed doubles, solidifying his legacy as a versatile and dominant force in the sport. After retiring from active play, Seixas continued to serve the tennis community as the tournament referee at the 1971 U.S. Open and as a three-time Davis Cup captain.
Born in Philadelphia on August 30, 1923, Seixas had resided north of San Francisco since 1989. His passing leaves a void in the world of tennis, but his accomplishments and contributions will continue to inspire generations of players and fans.
