5 things about Liam Broady

27 June 2016 03:53

Andy Murray faces a fellow British player for the first time at a grand slam in the opening round of Wimbledon.

The world number two's opponent on Tuesday is 22-year-old wild card Liam Broady, ranked 235 in the world.

Here, Press Association Sport details five things you might not know about the man from Stockport.

1. Family feud

Broady was cut off by father Simon after accepting help from the Lawn Tennis Association in 2012. The Broadys had had nothing to do with the governing body since Liam's sister Naomi was sanctioned when a picture of her in a nightclub was posted on social media in 2007. But Liam has now left the LTA again in order to repair his relationship with his father. He told the Evening Standard: "I stopped working with the LTA in November to try to reach out to him. So now I'm funding myself. We are getting there I hope, but things are still frosty."

2. Wimbledon pedigree

Broady fought back from two sets to love down to beat Australia's Marinko Matosevic in the first round 12 months ago. That followed a successful junior career at the All England Club. Broady became only the second British boy to reach the singles final since 1972 in 2011, losing to Australia's Luke Saville. A year earlier Broady and countryman Tom Farquharson won the boys' doubles title. "I always enjoy playing in front of a crowd," said Broady. "It brings the best out of me because I don't want to disappoint. And I am hoping it will do the same this year."

3. A remain man

Liam Broady was among the 48 per cent of the country who woke up disappointed and shocked on Friday to learn the result of the European Union referendum. Broady admitted his motives for voting remain were partly selfish as being part of the EU makes touring life easier, but he said: "I feel like we're all stronger together. It wasn't so long ago war was rife within Europe. I don't know enough about these subjects, I'm not saying it will go back to that, but I didn't think it was broken. I didn't think there was much wrong with the EU or that there was much reason to leave."

4. Sky blue

Liam and sister Naomi, who broke into the top 100 in the women's rankings this year, both grew up as big Manchester City fans. Liam said to the City website: "I would call myself a follower, not a supporter, because obviously I'm not home that much."

5. Beard fame

Broady's luxuriant facial hair when he achieved his breakthrough win at Wimbledon 12 months ago saw his beard given its own Twitter account. More than 300 people follow @broadysbeard, with the profile: "A cut above the rest. Putting the Don in Wimbledon 2015."

Source: PA