MELBOURNE: Roger Federer paid an emotional tribute to Brad Drewett (pictured) yesterday after the Men’s tennis boss said he was stepping down after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
The 54-year-old Australian said he will continue as executive chairman and president of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) until a replacement is 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 in a statement.
“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.”
The news, prompted expressions of sympathy from Federer and Andy Murray.
“It’s a very sad situation for all of us. I saw him yesterday and he told me the news. Obviously very emotional,” Federer said. “I’ve known Brad ever since I came on tour and I started to play a bit better.
“He was so influential. 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, we wish him the best, of course. I can only thank him for everything he’s done already and more.”
World number three Andy Murray said he was shocked at the news.
“It’s obviously very shocking news. Very sad. He’s done a very good job for the tour,” he said.
“He’s done a good job of 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.
“It’s a big shame to hear something like that happen. Hope he’s okay,” he added after his match yesterday. AFP
