World of Tennis Pays Respects To Brad Drewett

Written by: Staff on 6th May 2013

World of Tennis Pays Respects To Brad Drewett

epa03688818 Madrid Open tournament's managing director Manolo Santana (2nd R), tennis players Serena Williams (3rd R) from the USA, Spain's Rafael Nadal (C), Swiss Roger Federer (3rd L), Britain's Andy Murray (2nd L) and Serbia's Novak Djokovic (L) observe a minute of silence for ATP CEO Brad Drewett, who died at the age of 54 from a motor neurone disease on 03 May 2013, during the Madrid Open tennis tournament at the Caja Magica pavilion in Madrid, central Spain, 05 May 2013. EPA/ALBERTO MARTIN |

The world of tennis spent much of a busy weekend pausing to pay respects to Brad Drewett after the ATP chief executive and former player died at his home in Sydney of motor neuron disease. The 54-year-old had served as executive chairman and president since January, 2012, with news of his devastating illness released during the Australian Open last January.

As news of the death spread through the sport, accolades began pouring in. Player Council president Roger Federer was among the first to comment: “Brad’s dedication and service to the sport over the years was impressive and was a central figure in helping ATP output growth around the globe. Our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time.”

“Very sad day for the sport and tennis for the death of Brad Drewett, ATP president. Rest in peace,” wrote Argentine player Juan Del Potro on his Twitter account.

“Today is a sad day for the sport and especially tennis,” Spaniard Rafael Nadal said on Facebook.

Added Spain’s David Ferrer, competing this weekend in Portugal, in his Twitter account: Although I made it to the semi-finals, it is a tough day because of the death of our president Brad. My deepest condolences to his family.”

The WTA also sent condolences. “Brad was an incredibly warm human being and a dedicated family man,” said CEO Stacey Allaster. ” He also was always an inspiring leader.

“Today the entire tennis community mourns the loss of a great friend and colleague. Brad’s contributions as a player and visionary leader make him one of the greatest in making tennis the popular, worldwide sport it is today.

“The recent prize money increases with the Grand Slams are perfect examples of Brad’s brilliant strategic management, and another example of how much he cared about our athletes and the sport’s long-term growth.”

Drewett won two singles titles and seven doubles and held a ranking inside the top 40. He was serving on an interim basis while the ATP looked for his successor.

“It was a privilege to work as executive director and president of the ATP, an organization of which I was part of 35 years since I joined as a professional tennis player,” said Drewett after his condition was revealed.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Atp, Brad Drewett, David Ferrer, Juan Martin Del Potro, Rafael Nadal, Sports, Tennis News