(CNN) -- The stars of tennis took time out from their French Open preparations Sunday to honor the man who helped them become some of the highest-paid athletes in the world. 

Brad Drewett passed away Friday, aged 54, succumbing to the motor neurone disease that had forced him to step down as head of the men's ATP World Tour. 

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Serena Williams led a minute's silence ahead of the start of the Madrid Masters, while similar tributes were held at tournaments in Portugal and Germany. 

"Brad wasn't just the president of the ATP but was a player himself, a board member," Federer said on the ATP website. 

"He's given so much time and effort to the ATP, and I think this is really what we will try to honor in a small way today." 

Drewett reached a career-high 34 in the world rankings, but his efforts in administration had far bigger impact on the game, from his time on the players' council to running the ATP's Middle East, Asia and Pacific operations before becoming president in early 2012. 

The Australian took the end-of-season championship to China as part of tennis' global spread in the early 2000s, and then brought it to London where it has become a lucrative moneyspinner and showpiece for the ATP. 

He has also been credited with getting the players a larger share of prize money from the four grand slam tournaments since he took over the top role a year and half ago. 
How old was Drewett when he reached a career-high?
unknown