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| Brad Drewett | |
|---|---|
| Name | Brad Drewett |
| Birth date | 19 January 1958 |
| Birth place | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Death date | 3 May 2013 |
| Death place | Beijing, China |
| Turnedpro | 1979 |
| Retired | 1988 |
| Plays | Right-handed (one-handed backhand) |
| Careerprizemoney | $365,346 |
| Singlesrecord | 204–201 |
| Highestsinglesranking | No. 34 (6 April 1987) |
| Doublesrecord | 143–129 |
| Highestdoublesranking | No. 14 (12 March 1984) |
Brad Drewett
Brad Drewett was an Australian professional tennis player, coach and executive known for his transition from the ATP Tour to senior administrative leadership. He competed on the professional circuit in the 1980s, later serving in coaching and high-level management roles within major tennis institutions. Drewett's career encompassed playing achievements, contributions to event organization, and a tenure as ATP Executive Chairman and President before his untimely death in 2013.
Born in Brisbane, Queensland, Drewett developed his tennis skills in a milieu that included contemporaries from Australian tennis centers such as Brisbane and Sydney. He trained at local clubs and competed in junior competitions linked to the International Tennis Federation junior circuit and regional tournaments in Oceania. As a junior he faced peers from national programs including players who progressed through the Australian Institute of Sport and state-level academies. His early results drew attention from coaches associated with the Lawn Tennis Association of Australia and prompted entry to satellite events and the Challenger circuit overseen by the Association of Tennis Professionals.
Drewett turned professional in 1979 and played primarily on the Grand Prix tennis circuit and the ATP Tour, competing at signature events such as the Australian Open, Wimbledon, the US Open and the French Open. He captured one singles title on the circuit and won seven doubles titles partnering players from Australia and international competitors who appeared at tournaments organized by the International Tennis Federation and the ATP. His best Grand Slam singles results included main-draw appearances at Melbourne Park during the Australian Open era transition and competitive matches at Wimbledon and Roland Garros. Drewett achieved a career-high singles ranking inside the top 40 and a doubles ranking within the top 15, reflecting success in tournaments held in Europe, North America and Asia. He represented Australia in team competitions and appeared in events that featured contemporaries who dominated the era, including players frequently at the top of ATP rankings and Grand Slam draws.
Following retirement from full-time competition in 1988, Drewett moved into coaching and player development roles connected with national programs and private academies. He provided coaching and mentoring to touring professionals and juniors, working alongside coaches with affiliations to the Australian Institute of Sport, state tennis associations and private training centers in Melbourne and Brisbane. Drewett also transitioned into tournament operations and event management, collaborating with organizing committees for ATP events, Grand Slam tournaments and exhibition matches. His administrative work intersected with sports marketing firms, venue operators at major stadiums and commercial partners that funded tournaments across the Asia-Pacific and international circuits.
Drewett joined the Association of Tennis Professionals organization in roles that expanded from tournament relations to executive management. He served in senior positions including ATP Head of Men's Tournament Relations and ultimately as ATP Executive Chairman and President, where he engaged with stakeholders such as tournament directors, player councils and broadcast partners. In that capacity he negotiated calendar adjustments involving the ATP World Tour, coordinated with Grand Slam tournaments and worked alongside organizations like the International Tennis Federation and national federations to align schedules and promote the sport. Drewett advocated for expansion of professional events in Asia, development of the ATP Challenger Tour as a pathway for players, and commercial initiatives to increase sponsorship and media rights revenue. He participated in strategic planning addressing player welfare, anti-doping oversight with agencies that liaise with the World Anti-Doping Agency, and operational standards for ATP tournaments globally.
Drewett was married and had family ties in Australia; he maintained residences linked to his professional postings and traveled extensively for ATP responsibilities. Colleagues remembered him for a combination of player experience and administrative acumen, with relationships across player communities, tournament leadership and national tennis bodies. His legacy includes efforts to expand professional tennis in emerging markets, mentorship of players transitioning to post-competitive careers, and contributions to tournament infrastructure and calendar reforms that influenced subsequent ATP policies. Tributes following his passing came from current and former players, tournament directors, and international tennis organizations acknowledging his role in shaping modern professional tennis administration.
In 2013 Drewett underwent surgery related to complications from motor neuron disease, a neurodegenerative condition that affects motor neurons and impacts neuromuscular function. He was hospitalized while fulfilling ATP duties at events and received medical attention in Beijing, China, during the Asian swing of the tennis calendar. Drewett died on 3 May 2013 in Beijing; his death prompted acknowledgements from the Association of Tennis Professionals, Grand Slam tournament officials and national federations, who issued statements honoring his service to tennis and marking the impact of his career on international sport.
Category:Australian male tennis players Category:Association of Tennis Professionals executives Category:1958 births Category:2013 deaths