Tennis ace Ken McGregor dies

SOUTH Australian tennis legend Ken McGregor has died at the age of 78 following a brief battle with cancer.

The right-hander has had a long-running battle with a heart condition, but 10 days ago was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

He died at his Myrtle Bank home in the early hours of Saturday morning.

McGregor was a three time Davis Cup winner for Australia and also won the Australian Open singles title in 1952.

In 1951 along with partner Frank Sedgman, McGregor completed a doubles Grand Slam clean sweep.

His highest singles ranking was No. 3, which he achieved in 1952.

McGregor retired from tennis at the age of 25 and returned to his other sporting passion in football.

He played 52 games in five seasons with the club and was a member of West Adelaide's 1954, 1956 and 1958 grand final sides.

On his induction into the tennis Hall of Fame in 1999 McGregor presented a No. 4 West Adelaide guernsey to be housed in the Hall of Fame museum.