Illness Forces ATP Chief to Step Down

Written by: Staff on 15th January 2013

Illness Forces ATP Chief to Step Down |

Tennis suffered another cruel and withering blow with the news Brad Drewett, the ATP World Tour’s Executive Chairman and President for little more than a year, is to be forced to step down from his position after being diagnosed with suffering from Motor Neurone Disease or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

The 54 year-old Australian from Sydney, appointed in succession to Adam Helfant after being promoted from the position of Chief Executive Officer for the International Group he had held since January 2006, , was first thought to be afflicted with no more than slack vocal chords but the latest diagnosis came early this year.

Drewett, former top 40 singles and top 20 doubles player who contested the ATP World Tour for 12 years, was twice Australian Open junior champion and was a member of the Australian Davis Cup team in the early 1980’s, still managed to address the annual ATP Players meeting last weekend and intends to carry out all his obligations, such as meetings with the Grand Slam Committee, throughout the ongoing Australian Open.

Mark Young, a close friend of Drewett and the ATP World Tour’s CEO of the Americas as well as Chief Legal and Media Officer, will assist in the transition before a successor is named.

Drewett issued a statement that said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Executive Chairman and President of the ATP, an organization that I’ve been a part of for more than 35 years since I became a professional tennis player.

“I hold the ATP very close to my heart, and it’s with sadness that I make the decision to enter this transition period due to my ill-health.”

Almost as soon as the announcement was made, there was a mass outpouring of sympathy from the world of tennis.

Stacey Allaster, as Chairman and CEO of the WTA, Drewett’s opposite number in the women’s game, said:  “The thoughts and prayers of the WTA family are with Brad, his family and the entire ATP community at this very difficult time. We know he will fight this terrible disease every step of the way, and have our full support for whatever he needs.”

Bill Babcock, Director of the Grand Slam Committee, said: “The Grand Slam tournaments are saddened to learn of Brad’s condition and everyone sends their prayers and any support needed to him and his family during this difficult period. Brad’s longstanding commitment to the Sport marks him as a true member of our tennis family and we wish him well in the fight ahead.”

Drewett worked tirelessly with Tennis Australia in a bid to avoid the threatened player’s boycott of this Australian Open and maintained the last six months of 2012 saw him speak to TA president Steve Healy and chief executive Steve Wood, more than he did his wife. Healy and Wood issued a joint statement saying: “Brad’s incredible contribution to the game in Australia and worldwide is obvious to all. For more than three decades he has been a much loved member of the Australian tennis family. All of our thoughts are very much with Brad and his family at this time.”

And the players, with who Drewett had formed a close bond by ceaseless travel to events, were also fulsome in their praise and sympathy. As head of the ATP Players Council, Roger Federer has numerous dealings with the Australian and said: “ “Brad has become a good friend of mine over the years and this is very sad news for all of us at the ATP and the entire tennis community.

“He is well liked and respected by everyone and has done a tremendous job in leading the ATP over the past 12 months, overseeing some major initiatives and a record-breaking year in 2012. His dedication and service to the sport over the years has been truly admirable and he has been a central figure in helping to grow the ATP product across the globe. Our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time.”

Federer later added: “Obviously it was very important to bring the Masters Cup to Shanghai, and he was the tournament director then over there and also London. So he was so influential.

“He was obviously a player. He goes so far back and has touched so many people, throughout his career as a player and then also as an executive and then CEO. So it’s been very hard to see him not doing so well, so we wish him the best, of course. Can only thank him for everything he’s done already and more. I’m sure he’s going to stay on for a bit more and do more work, so we thank him for that.”

And world no.3 Andy Murray added: “Of all the people in his position, since I’ve been part of the ATP, I spent more time with him than any of the other guys before him. We had numerous meetings with him about the Grand Slams and chatted a lot privately as well.

“Obviously very shocking news and it’s very sad. Brad’s done a very good job for the tour, bringing the tournaments together and arranging the meetings we had with the Slams. He’s definitely had an impact in the time he’s been working there.”

©Daily tennis news wire

Topics: Atp World Tour, Australian Open, Brad Drewett, Davis Cup, Sports, Tennis, Wta