Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Brad Drewett Obituary
The ATP said in a statement the Australian died at his home in Sydney.
"Our thoughts are with Brad's family on this extremely sad day for them, the ATP and the entire international tennis community," the governing body of men's tennis said in a statement. "He will be sorely missed by all."
Drewett was a top-40 singles and top-20 doubles player before he retired in 1990. He was hired in 2006 to lead operations in the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific regions, and later played a key role in securing significant prize money increases for all four grand slam events.
"A very sad day for the world of sports and tennis in particular," Rafael Nadal, an 11-time major champion, wrote on Facebook. "Our president Brad has passed away. Rest in peace."
Mardy F ish, an American pro once ranked in the top 10, said on Twitter that it was a "very very sad day for our great sport."
Drewett announced in January that he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease - which affects voluntary muscle activity, including speaking, walking, breathing, swallowing and general movement of the body, and usually causes progressive disability.
Motor neurone disease is known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in many parts of the world, and as Lou Gehrig's disease in the United States.
Drewett's speech was noticeably slurred when he attended a news conference on the opening day of the Australian Open to announce a new racket sponsor, and he had planned to step down once a successor was found.
"The ITF family is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Brad Drewett," International Tennis Federation president Francesco Ricci Bitti said. "Brad was a valued friend and colleague to many of us here at the ITF, and we were very h appy 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 also developed and managed a number of successful businesses in the sport and fitness industry, and had worked as a commentator for two Australian television broadcasters.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
45 Entries
Kathryn Remati
July 10, 2024
RIP from Hoffo the girl you walked home from school with.
John Joyce
November 30, 2020
Prayers!
Elizabeth Mickley (Wheeler)
January 16, 2017
Today through Australian Open I learned of Brads passing from MND. I went to primary school with Brad and he was in my class. Brad was a natural with a gift of being a handsome young man. The girls thought Brad was it! At sport lessons on the tennis court Brad was a natural and his talent clearly showed at that early age.
I am pleased to read Brad reached the heights of tennis and related positions in tennis business.
My condolences go to Brads family.
How you can show support
Lesley Eccles / Snelgrove
May 16, 2016
I was very sad to read of Brad's death. We went to KHHS and enjoyed schoolies at Tiki Village. He was playing tennis of course in Brisbane. A lovely man. My condolences to his family.
Photo by Roger Gould
Vince Basile
March 9, 2016
It is sad that Brad died of a motor neuron disease. Brad was the star in my year 7 PE class at Killarney Heights High School in 1971. He was as tall as me, a strong lad and talented. He was also very popular and a natural leader. We often had competitions over the years in various activities and I was always impressed with his skill and determination. We all knew he was going to do well in tennis. He did, too, and told me one day he would help me out financially! He reached #34 in the world which was an excellent achievement. Later he ran a gym in Darling Harbour and we talked about it at a school reunion. Hearing that my best ever year 7 student ended up crippled by such a disease was a shock. It is sad to lose a man like that in the prime of his life and I am sure his family and friends will miss him dearly.
Jo xxxxx
May 2, 2014
One year on and we still struggle with the reality of it.
May 17, 2013
May the god of comfort be a source of strength for your family at this difficult time. 2Corn 1:3, 4. Deepest Sympathy, Sue, Concord, NC
Heather MacLachlan Mitchell
May 11, 2013
I worked on the Volvo Grand Prix when Brad was a player on the Tour, long before his success off the court at the ATP. I remember him as the nicest, kindest player on the Tour. I will never forgot his infectious smile and good humor, and how he treated everyone equally. My condolences to his family, but especially his young children. They can take some small comfort in knowing what a remarkable person their father was.
Jeanette Wilson nee Gilmour
May 11, 2013
My most sincere condolences, particularly to Brad's mother Hazel whom I knew in Warialda in the 1930's.
May 10, 2013
It was a pleasure knowing Brad, & it's a sad loss for tennis. BILL LLOYD, ATP ALUMNI.
Nancy Pon
May 10, 2013
"To Brad's family: I am so saddened by the loss of such a great man and send you my prayers to get through this difficult time. I want you to know that I admired and respect Brad immensely for what he did with his life, his talents, and his ambition to become a world-class athlete, business man, unofficial global ambassador, professional role model, and father. Right to the end of his too-short life, he was courageous, living life fully, proactively and doing his part to enrich this world with his gifts. Most of all, Brad was an incredible human being, full of humility, positivity and vision. He was loved by more people than you will ever know. Thank you to Brad's family, Jo, his children for sharing such a great man with the world whose legacy will live on in the tennis world and in our hearts."
Mike Brimfield
May 10, 2013
Sincere condolences to Brad's family - Brad was my best mate in year 2 at Frenchs Forest PS and then again in Year 6 at Killarney Heights PS. He was the best sportsman and the nicest guy to go with it. He was at every school reunion from the great 1976 Killarney Heights High School year 12! Brad was the quintessential Aussie (top) bloke with a heart of gold and will be sorely missed.. cheers Brimmers
May 9, 2013
Jo and family,
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time
the Feltons
May 9, 2013
Gosh Jo - the boys and I are so so sad. Brad is an awesome husband, Dad and neighbour and will be always loved and remembered. Take care and all of our love and prayers, Cindy, Miles and Sean
May 8, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Margot Lindgren
May 8, 2013
I worked with Brad's mum in the 1980s and I have warm memories of how proud his parents were of his tennis achievements. My thoughts are with your family at this time.
Bryce McCarthy
May 7, 2013
Dear Drewett family, I'm just Joe Average who loves tennis. Thank you for sharing Brad with the tennis community and thank you Brad for all your contributions to the sport I love. Rest in peace.
Kathy Durow
May 7, 2013
Jo, my thoughts are with you at this sad time.
D Howell
May 7, 2013
R.I.P Brad
May 7, 2013
RIP Brad - Our prayers and love are with all.May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
- Cris,Kim and Grace Ashcroft
May 6, 2013
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Brad - our sincerest sympathy to the Drewett family- Catherine,Garry,Simon,Saxon & Samantha Ward
Terry and Kay Rocavert
May 6, 2013
Jo, we are so sad for you and the kids. Our memories of Brad go right back to when he was only 16 and Terry was playing Badge with him at White City. There are so many experiences we shared together that will keep Brad as part of our lives.
h federer
May 6, 2013
RIP Brad:(
Maree Hall
May 5, 2013
A true Aussie & a true gentleman. Will always remember the mullet! R.I.P.Brad.
May 5, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more.
SportsTopFan
May 5, 2013
We would like to offer our condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of Brad Drewett.
Rest In Peace !!!
May 5, 2013
deepest condolence to you,"happy are the pure in heart,since they will see God."matt.5:8..dnc
Jon Lowder
May 5, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May 5, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. May the peace that the word of the God of all comfort only can provide be with you at this difficult time. – Psalms 119:165
May 5, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
May 5, 2013
My deepest sympathy to your family during this time of grief.
May 4, 2013
Our very deepest sympathy. We know exactly what you have been through because we have just lost our precious 30 year old daughter Raylee to this dreadful disease. Our thoughts are with all your loved ones.
Alison & Ron Quint
~GodBless upon a Spiritual Journey~
////Victoria&Andreas//// ~:~
May 4, 2013
Our serene
condolences
to Brad DreWett
rip`
Erica Broadway
May 4, 2013
It is comforting to know that Jesus, the Ruler of God's Kingdom, is called the “Prince of Peace,” and he will ensure that “to peace there will be no end.”—Isaiah 9:6, 7.
May 4, 2013
I am so very sorry for your great loss. May the God who is 'binding up the broken hearted and comforting those mourning' continue to comfort you during this most difficult time. (Isa. 61:1,2). Again, my deepest sympathies.
Jill
May 4, 2013
My condolences to the family at this difficult time. May you allow God's words to bring you peace. Matthew 5:4
May 4, 2013
God bless you ~ Rest in peace.
a friend
May 4, 2013
brad will be missed.
a friend
May 4, 2013
sorry for this loss of great person.
L E
May 4, 2013
Sympathy to the Drewett family. I'm sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort bring you peace. Matthew 5:4 "happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted."
Maryellen
May 4, 2013
Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Brad Drewett. May he R.I.P.
Eg
May 3, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dwayne Bickham
May 3, 2013
in God's care
Showing 1 - 45 of 45 results
Make a Donation
in Brad Drewett's name
How to support Brad's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Brad Drewett's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored