(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. 
Who is the star if tennis in this article?
What did they do?
Who did pass away?
When did he pass away?
How old was Brad Drewett?
What disease did he have?
What did Federer said about Brad?
How old was Drewett when he reached a career-high?
Did his efforts in administration had a big impact?
When did he become a president?
Where did he took the end-of-seasons championship?
When?
Did he share a large share of prize money from the four grand slam tournaments?
When did he take over the top role?
Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Serena Williams
Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Serena Williams
led a minute's silence
 led a minute's silence
Brad Drewett
Brad Drewett
Friday
Friday
54
54
motor neurone
motor neurone
"Brad wasn't just the president of the ATP but was a player himself, a board member," and "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."
"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."
unknown
unknown
yes
 his efforts in administration had far bigger impact on the game
2012
2012
China
China
early 2000s
early 2000s
Yes
He has also been credited with getting the players a larger share of prize money from the four grand slam tournaments
a year and half ago
a year and half ago