Former Australian tennis prodigy Todd Reid dies aged 34

THE tennis world is in shock following the premature death of former prodigy Todd Reid, once touted as the future of the sport in Australia. He was just 34 years old.

Todd Reid plays his first match at the 2008 APS Manly Seaside Tennis Championship at the Manly Lawn Tennis Centre.

AUSTRALIAN tennis is in shock following the premature death of former prodigy Todd Reid.

Reid, 34, passed away on Tuesday.

Once touted as the future of Australian tennis, Reid won the 2002 Wimbledon junior singles crown, seeming evidence of imminent greatness.

Signed by International Management Group at 13 and recipient of a reported $450,000 in contracts as a junior, Reid was a colossal talent.

His promise was so prodigious, the New York Times ran a 3000-word profile on the “next big thing.”

Todd Reid playing back in 2008

But after a stellar junior career and climbing to the brink of the top 100 — No.105 — in 2004, Reid battled illness and injury.

Sapped by glandular fever just as his career shaped to blossom, Reid vanished from view.

He quit tennis in 2005 before attempting several comebacks, the most recent in 2014 when he won the Victorian grasscourt championships.

The Sydneysider had maintained contact with several contemporaries.

His former peers are shattered at his death, the cause of which is unknown.

Aussie legend Lleyton Hewitt and 16-time Grand Slam doubles champion Todd Woodbridge was among mourners.

Tough week for the Aussie Tennis family losing one of our mates T-Rod. Thoughts and prayers are with Todd’s family at this difficult time. #RIPTodd #DCTeamMate #92 🙏

— Lleyton Hewitt (@lleytonhewitt) October 26, 2018

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. #RIP #tennisfamily @ATPWorldTour @TennisAustralia @beyondblue

— Todd Woodbridge (@toddwoodbridge) October 26, 2018

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