Tennis world reacts to Brad Drewett's passing, pays tribute

Brad Drewett spent more than 30 years involved with the ATP, starting as a player. (Bullit Marquez/AP)

ATP executive chairman and president Brad Drewett died Friday at his home in Sydney. He was 54.

A former top-40 player, the Australian had taken over as ATP chief in 2012. Under Drewett's leadership, the ATP successfully lobbied for record increases in prize money at Grand Slam tournaments.

Drewett announced in January that he would step down after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. Players, current and former ATP employees and journalists who had the pleasure of working with Drewett took to social media to express their condolences. He was universally well-respected within the tennis community for his integrity and commitment to the ATP and to its players.

https://twitter.com/MardyFish/status/330348518394966017

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WTA chairman and CEO Stacey Allaster issued the following statement in response to the news:

"Brad was an incredibly warm human being and a dedicated family man.  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.  His legacy as a leader, as a person, and as a father who always put his family first, will have an everlasting impact on tennis.  Our prayers go out to his wife Jo and his children Jack, Ally, Joe and Tom, and to the entire ATP family."