The Australian tennis community has been left in shock following the sudden death of former teenage tennis star Todd Reid at the age of 34.
Reid, who passed away on Tuesday, was once a tennis prodigy with many predicting him to be the next big thing in the sport. At the age of 13 he signed a contract with IMG management and secured a scholarship at the prestigious Nick Bollettieri Academy. As a teenager he had a 3000-word feature written about him by the New York Times and reportedly earned AUS$450,000 in sponsorship before his 14th birthday. It was in 2002 where Reid achieved his first breakthrough after winning the Wimbledon boys title at the age of 18.
“Very saddened to hear the news of the passing of Todd Reid. We never know how much someone can be suffering. Prayers for Todd and his family.” Former player Todd Woodbridge wrote on his Twitter account.
On the professional tour, Reid narrowly missed out on breaking into the top 100. Peaking at a high of 105th in 2004. It was during that same year he achieved his best result in a grand slam by reaching the third round of the Australian Open. His run was ended by Roger Federer. In total he won six titles on the Futures tour and finished runner-up at a 2004 Challenger event in Noumea, New Caledonia. He earned $302,000 in prize money during his career.
Unfortunately Reid’s professional career saw him battle both illness and injury throughout. Three years after winning the Wimbledon boys’ trophy, he quit the sport. Succumbing to the effects caused by glandular fever as well as a wrist injury. Reid staged a few comebacks shortly after, but was never able to replicate the success he achieved during 2004.
During his career, Reid played many prestigious players on the men’s tour besides Federer. Including Feliciano Lopez, Sebastien Grosjean, Nicolas Massu, Jarkko Nieminen, Nicolas Mahut and Greg Rusedski.
There has been no cause of death given, however Australian media have reported that there are no suspicious circumstances.
