Former ATP player Brad Drewett spent 12 years on the pro circuit. On Thursday, the ATP announced Drewett as the new executive chairman and president of the ATP World Tour, the body that governs the men’s side.
Former Tour Player Brad Drewett Named New ATP Chief
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Drewett succeeds Adam Helfant who announced in June he would be leaving the tour at the end of 2011 due to “professional reasons.” The 53-year-old new ATP CEO will begin on Jan. 1. He is currently the director of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
Drewett hasn’t been ranked in singles on the ATP tour since 1991, and 1992 for doubles. During his 12-year playing career, he ranked as high as No. 34 winning two ATP titles. The Maclean, Australia native played for his country’s Davis Cup team in 1981 and 1985.
During his three years at the helm, Helfant raised the ATP tour’s commercial revenue by 80 percent through sponsorship. Drewett will be taking over a tour that is currently surrounded by player complaints from the top players of the 11-month playing season. Helfant did change the offseason, beginning at the end of 2012, to extend from five weeks to seven to allow a couple weeks of extra rest time.
Via Bloomberg:
“The ATP World Tour and men’s tennis are stronger than ever and it is my intention to continue to lead the organization on this successful path, working hand in hand with our players and tournaments,” Drewett said in the statement. “I am very excited about the opportunities ahead.”
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