Dartford tennis star Patrick Brady tops off dream Wimbledon Juniors debut with Novak Djokovic meet-up
Published: 13:30, 22 July 2021
Updated: 13:39, 22 July 2021
It was a Wimbledon Juniors debut to remember for one teen tennis prodigy after getting pointers from hero Novak Djokovic and sharing some football banter.
Patrick Brady, from Sutton-at-Hone in Dartford, made his first appearance in the main draw of the boys Championships earlier this month.
The 16-year-old was one of only two British boys to make it through qualifying and put in two strong performances.
During a session held on court 12 he was surprised to find himself entertaining Notting Hill actor Hugh Grant who was spectating.
But an even more surreal moment was to come for Patrick when approached by Wimbledon champ and 20-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic in the gym.
A long-time Red Star Belgrade supporter, the tennis ace had spotted the teen wearing a Liverpool FC hoody and made a remark as his team had faced off against the Reds in the Champions League's recent history.
Patrick responded he had watched the game live while spending time playing in Novak's native Serbia.
From there the pair hit it off and the Olympic Gold medal favourite even took some time to share some pointers with the teen.
"Nadal was my hero growing up, but in terms of modelling my game I always look at Djokovic and Andy Murray as well," said Patrick.
"I want to try and dictate points from the baseline and if you're wanting to play that way there is no one better to try and learn from.
"Novak was gracious enough to give me some pointers which was also an amazing experience."
Dad and coach John Brady said the Serbian tennis ace was "so humble" and took 20 minutes out of his busy schedule to guide his son.
He said: "Novak was so good, he went into so much detail with all the things you need to do.
"I think he saw Pat was very passionate and he is obviously very passionate so when they got speaking in detail he was very inspiring."
In the first round, Patrick recovered from losing a first set tie break to overcome young Czech Adam Jurajda in three sets.
He then narrowly lost his second match against German Max Rehberg while struggling with injury.
Opportunities to play have been blighted by the virus with restrictions placed on travel meaning it has been difficult for him to compete at tournaments.
"It was positive that I got through the events whilst being injured, but I feel I can do better tennis-wise," Patrick explained.
"I feel like I can play better but I need time on the match court and I need more time on the practice court, and I've had neither in the last few months because of Covid-19 and the difficulty travelling."
But the teen is not too downbeat after achieving his dream of featuring at Wimbledon.
He added: "To play at Wimbledon is what I have dreamed of since I was five, six-years-old. So when you go onto those courts, it is hard.
"The first few games my arms were shivering I was so nervous, but after a while I settled down.
"I started to feel more comfortable with the fans and fed off them, rather than feeling anxious."
The Dartford player wasn't the only teen tennis prodigy on show at the All England Club with 18-year-old Emma Raducanu, from Bromley earning plenty of plaudits on her first outing in the main Women's draw.
Patrick now hopes to get more game time under his belt and has been training at David Lloyd gym in Darenth Road with his brother.
"My team have done so much to get me here, so it was nice to give something back," he said.
"I just want to focus on my game plan each match and do what I can, but now I want more."
Read more: All the latest news from Dartford
More by this author
Sean Delaney