ATP Chief Brad Drewett Dies At 54

ATP Executive Chairman and President, Brad Drewett, died at his home in Sydney, Australia, on Friday after a battle with motor neurone disease. Drewett, a former top-40 singles and top-20 doubles player, was diagnosed with the incurable disease - also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's Disease - in January. He was 54.

The Association of Tennis Players, established in 1972 to protect the interests of male professional tennis players, said in a statement, ""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."

Many of tennis' elite players turned to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to Drewett. Rafael Nadal, an 11-time major champion, noted on Facebook, "A very sad day for the world of sports and tennis in particular. Our president Brad has passed away. Rest in peace."

Argentine star and seventh-ranked professional tennis player Juan Martin del Potro added on his Twitter feed, "Día muy triste para el deporte y el tenis por el fallecimiento de Brad Drewett, presidente de la ATP. Que en paz descanses (Very sad day for the sport and tennis for the death of ATP President Brad Drewett. Rest in peace)."

Drewett held a 30-plus year association with the ATP, initially as a player before his retirement in 1990. In 2006, he was tasked to lead operations in the Middle East, Asia, and Pacific regions, before being promoted to Executive Chairman and President in January 2012. Drewett leaves a lasting legacy within professional tennis for being instrumental in securing significant prize money increases for the sport's four grand slam events.

International Tennis Federation president Francesco Ricci Bitti praised Drewtt's contributions to the sport, saying, "Brad was a valued friend and colleague to many of us here at the ITF, and we were very happy to support him during his various roles at the ATP, most recently as chairman. His knowledge, experience and enthusiasm will be a great loss to the whole sport."

Drewett stated in January that he would step down from his position with ATP, but that he would continue in the role until a replacement was found. There is no known cure for motor neurone disease, and typical life expectancy after diagnosis is three to five years.

RELATED:

Rafael Nadal Wins 8th Title At Barcelona Open 2013; Will He Win French Open?