Paris: Australia’s Brad Drewett, the president of the ATP and a Gulf News columnist, died on Friday at the age of 54 following a battle against motor neurone disease, the governing body of men’s tennis announced.
“The ATP is deeply saddened to announce that Brad Drewett passed away at his home in Sydney, Australia, earlier today,” said an ATP statement.
“Brad, who served as ATP Executive Chairman and President since January 2012, had been suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.
“Our thoughts are with Brad’s family on this extremely sad day for them, the ATP and the entire international tennis community. He will be sorely missed by all.”
Spanish star Rafael Nadal was amongst the first to pay tribute to the Australian.
“A very sad day for the world of sports and tennis in particular. Our president Brad has passed away. Rest in peace,” said Nadal on his Facebook page.
Drewett said in January that he was stepping down from his role with the ATP after being diagnosed with the incurable disease.
However, he added at the time that he would continue as executive chairman and president of the ATP until a replacement was appointed.
“It has been a privilege to serve as executive chairman and president of the ATP, an organisation that I’ve been a part of for more than 35 years since I became a professional tennis player,” Drewett said.
“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.”
Drewett won two singles titles in the early 1980s during his playing career. Since becoming ATP chief last year, he was instrumental in gaining increased prize-money for players.
Motor neurone disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is incurable. The life expectancy after diagnosis is normally three to five years.
