Tennis Atlantic

@Glenysfurness chats with UK young gun Liam Broady
Glenys Furness for Tennis Atlantic

UK Tennis blogger Glenys Furness caught up with 21 year old Liam Broady, The Englishman is currently at a career high ranking of 180 in the world and just turned pro last season. Since turning pro he has already reached final round qualies at the AO this year, and reached an ATP challenger final last year at the end of the season, along with multiple futures tour titles. He and his sister Naomi are both UK based tennis professionals  and he appears poised for a breakthrough. Broady was prepped for success at the junior level as he reached two junior slam finals (Wimbledon 2011, US Open 2012), and won two junior grand slam doubles titles (Wimbledon 2010, Australian Open 2012) between 2010 and 2012.

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Liam Broady took time out of his preparations for the Memphis ATP 250 qualifying to talk with me.  I am grateful to both Liam and to his fitness trainer Ric Moylan for giving me some time.  Liam is ranked 180 in the world currently, and is the British number 4 men’s singles player by ranking.

“How did you get involved with (Life Coach) Adrian Tannock”
“I got involved with Adrian via Ric (Moylan) around 4 years ago. My Dad was looking for assistance in finding ways to develop the psychological element of my tennis.  Ric and Adrian had worked together previously with other athletes so after Ric introduced us, we developed a strong relationship from there.”

“What does Ric have you doing during the off season”
“Ric has me doing pretty much everything that hurts.  I’ve grown to love doing the hard work that Ric has taught me will bring me success, and he’s an indispensable member of my team.”

“If British Davis Cup Captain Leon Smith selected you for the Davis Cup, what would this mean to you”
“It would be amazing and an honour to represent my country at the highest level of tennis, playing the sport I love around fantastic people.  Playing Davis Cup has always been at the top of my ambitions to achieve.”

“What match from the US Challenger matches last year has resonated the most, and why?”
“The biggest result on paper was beating Tim Smyzcek in 3 sets after losing to him pretty comfortably only a few weeks before although the match I think I played best in was against Peter Torebko the round after.”

“There has been a lot in the press recently on the financial burden on players, how do you make ends meet and what sacrifices have you made?”
“Tennis is an expensive sport to participate in and at lower levels the rewards financially are next to none. Over the last couple of years since I left home I have had sponsorships from Nike and Dunlop that have helped massively and of course support from the LTA has been invaluable.”

“Looking ahead, what is your next major goal?”
“My next major goal is to finish the year in the top 100. Apart from that I just want to focus on improving as a player and a person.”

“Who do you feel are the next up and coming stars of British Tennis?”
“I would like to think that myself and Kyle Edmund are! But after that I’m not too sure, I haven’t spent much time in England the last few years but I know that Marcus Walters who is coached by Leighton Alfred in Nottingham plays very well as does Max Stewart who is also at Nottingham.”

Thank you again to Liam and Ric for the opportunity to speak together, and best of luck in the Memphis qualifying.-Glenys