The global tennis community is mourning the death of outstanding administrator and former player Brian Tobin, who played a key role in restoring the Australian Open to its current glory.

Tobin, who served as the president of Tennis Australia and later headed the International Tennis Federation, died on Monday aged 93.

ITF president David Haggerty is among those to pay tribute to Tobin, who was born in Perth and ranked among the nation’s top 10 tennis players before turning to a career in finance and banking and then later leaving a lasting legacy in tennis as an administrator.

“Brian Tobin was a great president of the ITF and leaves an important legacy,” Haggerty said.

“He became the first Executive President in 1991 and oversaw tennis’s emergence as a truly global sport, played and enjoyed by millions around the world.

“His leadership of the ITF and vision at a pivotal time for tennis established firm foundations for the ITF to grow and adapt to the changes of the subsequent three decades, and ensured the future of the sport we all love.”

Tobin, who is survived by his wife Carmen and sons Geoff and Alan, headed TA from 1977 to 1989 after serving on the board of the Lawn Tennis Association of Australia.

It was critical period for the sport in Australia, with the Open considered the lesser partner of the four majors as it struggled to regularly draw the world’s best players to Kooyong.

But the move to Melbourne Park and the decision to build a retractable roof atop Rod Laver Arena revitalised the Australian Open, which this year drew more than 900,000 fans through the gates at Melbourne Park.

Davis Cup star Paul McNamee, who served as the tournament director and chief executive of the Australian Open in the 1990s and 2000s, has previously praised Tobin and former Victorian premier John Cain as the driving forces in the development of Melbourne Park.

“(I am) saddened by the passing of Brian Tobin. He co-led (the) establishment of Melbourne Park, home of the AO. Brian had a top wife Carmen, (a) fine wit, integrity and was great company,” McNamee posted on social media.

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Tobin also served as captain of Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) teams between 1964 to 1967 and worked with both the men’s and women’s tours in different capacities prior to joining the ITF.

He was a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and was awarded the bodies ‘Golden Achievement” honour in 1999. He was made a member of the Order of Australia in 1986 and received an Olympic Order from the IOC in 1999.

Acclaimed journalist Christopher Clarey, who authored The Master: The brilliant career of Roger Federer, praised the leadership Tobin provided to the sport during his administrative tenure.

“Brian Tobin, who has died at age 93, was one of tennis’s best administrators and one of the key figures in the revival of the

Australian Open. It was always a pleasure to cross his path. A toast to a life well led,” he said.