Tributes paid to former Wimbledon junior champ Todd Reid
TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Wimbledon champion who has died aged 34. Todd Reid, who won the juniors singles crown in 2002, had been working at the Matraville Sports Centre before his death.
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TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Wimbledon champion who has died aged 34.
Todd Reid won the juniors singles crown at SW19 in 2002 and was touted as the next big thing in Australian tennis.
However, Todd, originally from Coogee, suffered a number of injury setbacks including contracting glandular fever just as he was making his way on the professional tour.
Up until his sudden death on October 23, he had been working at the Matraville Sports Centre on the western side of Heffron Park.
His parents, Bob and Sandra, run the centre and Todd had been working behind the counter and coaching kids.
He started playing tennis aged just four. His mother had also been a professional.
After winning the junior title at Wimbledon, Reid was touted as the next big thing and was signed by the International Management Group.
He was the subject of a 3000-word profile in the New York Times and shared the court with the likes of Roger Federer.
In 2004 he made his breakthrough in front of home crowds by winning through to the third round of the Australian Open. He was eventually knocked out by the aforementioned Swiss star.
But in 2005 he announced his decision to quit tennis after a series of injuries and glandular fever.
He attempted a number of comebacks but was never able to reach the same heights.
“I never got over what happened to me when I was 19,” he told AAP of his glandular fever.
Friend and AAP sports journalist Darren Walton had played golf with Todd just a week before his death.
“The former Wimbledon junior champion was full of hope, excited about getting
his life back together after a troubled few years and a touch-and-go battle with
pancreatitis,” Walton wrote in his tribute piece.
“Just as his senior career got legs, Reid was derailed by a debilitating bout of
glandular fever.
“The life-changing setback hit only weeks after the then-teenage wonder boy
announced his arrival as a grand slam threat by throwing up all over Rod Laver Arena during a fighting five-set second-round win over Sargis Sargsian.”
He said one of Todd’s lesser known triumphs was his attempt to win the Manly Seaside tournament — an event won by greats such as Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall, Frank Sedgman and John Bromwich.
“Hampered by a shoulder injury, Reid served underarm — UNDER-ARM — throughout
the entire tournament yet still made the decider,” he wrote.
Among those to have paid tribute include Lleyton Hewitt. “Tough week for the Aussie Tennis family losing one of our mates T-Rod,” he tweeted. “Thoughts and prayers are with Todd’s family at this difficult time.”
“Very saddened to hear the news of the passing of Todd Reid,” Todd Woodbridge added. “We never know how much someone can be suffering. Prayers for Todd and his family.”
In his death notice in The Daily Telegraph his family wrote: “Beloved son; adored brother and uncle; and a kind, generous, loyal friend who impacted many.
“He will be remembered for his bravery, courage, strength and kindness. His family loved and were very proud of him. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.”
Send your tributes to Todd by emailing ben.james@news.com.au.
People seeking help for mental health problems can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36.