The Other Flach Puts Lendl on the Tee

Doug Flach, whose claim to fame in tennis is being Ken Flach’s younger brother, beat slumping Ivan Lendl in three sets Tuesday to make a name for himself at the Assn. of Tennis Professionals Championship.

Flach, who had to win a qualifying tournament last week to enter the main draw, celebrated his 23rd birthday by defeating Lendl, who was fifth-seeded, 7-6 (7-4), 2-6, 6-2.

“This is the biggest win of my tennis career,” said Flach, whose brother is a Grand Slam tournament doubles champion. “And it’s my birthday, too. It couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Flach, ranked 227th, played exceptionally well against one of his boyhood favorites. He broke Lendl’s serve to open the third set and broke him again to go up, 4-1.

Lendl, ranked No. 7, got ready to hit a nearby golf course for the rest of the week.

“I think it may help my golf game over the next few days,” he said.

While Lendl headed for the course, Andre Agassi ended a personal slump against 11th-seeded Todd Martin. Agassi, playing a tournament unseeded for the first time in six years, overcame 23 aces to win, 6-3, 6-7 (7-2), 6-3.

He had lost to Martin twice this year.