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Former Australian tennis prodigy Reid dies aged 34
SYDNEY, Oct 26, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – A former Australian tennis prodigy who won
the Wimbledon junior title in 2002 and was once touted as the next big thing
has died aged 34, officials and reports said on Friday.
Todd Reid, who was forced to quit the game in 2005 after a series of
injuries and glandular fever, passed away this week.
The cause of death in unknown, although local media said there were no
suspicious circumstances.
“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,” tweeted
Australian Grand Slam doubles champion Todd Woodbridge.
Melbourne’s Herald Sun said Reid was signed by International Management
Group at age 13 with his promise so prodigious that the New York Times ran a
3,000-word profile on the “next big thing.”
He used to be coached by Nick Bollettieri, having trained at his academy in
Florida, making his ATP and Grand Slam debut as a wildcard at the Australian
Open in 2002.
He made the third round there two years later, losing to eventual champion
Roger Federer in what would be his best season on tour.
He came close to cracking the world’s top 100 to be Australia’s number
three behind Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1140 hrs