The top seed in the men’s open singles at the Wodonga Grasscourt Championships, McKenzie opted not to forfeit his second-round match, just hours after his father died.

Phil Shanahan, one of the tournament organisers, said the whole tennis community was feeling for 25-year-old McKenzie, who lost his father Keith to cancer on Thursday night.

“We’ve known Rob for a number of years,” an emotional Shanahan said.

“He’s been one of the most outstanding young tennis players for a number of years.

“He’s been in college tennis in the US and come back and dealt with his father’s illness.

“It’s good for him to be around friends today.

“It’s a sad day.”

McKenzie moved into the quarter-finals after defeating Gerogery teen Josh Graetz 2-6 6-3 6-4.