Dartford’s Patrick Brady becomes the first teenager to win the Men’s UK Pro league. After 8 weeks, 480 matches with over 100 players, the 2023 Finals Week was hosted last week at the National Tennis Centre, culminating in two dramatic Finals and the
crowning of the 2023 Champions: Patrick Brady and Elena Malygina.
In August Patrick won the first ever Pro league men’s grass Finals which enabled him to qualify for the Finals. Patrick was able to rise to the occasion, defeating former UKPL Week Winners Hamish Stewart and George Houghton to win his pool and
soaring through the quarter finals and semi-finals with straight set wins.
However, Giles Hussey was sure to be his toughest opponent yet– 8 years his senior and sitting nearly 400 places above him in the ATP rankings, Hussey had not dropped a set all week.
Patrick remained unperturbed by these facts, swiftly getting the upper hand in the first set by securing an early break for 2-0. He led the way the rest of the first set; a second break of serve from Patrick left Hussey trailing 5-1 at one point, and Patrick went on to win the set 6-3. Both men were pulling out all the shots, it was a match packed full of incredible points to the delight of the crowd; many of which had traveled up from Dartford. The second set had a similar tale to the first; despite his best efforts, Hussey just wasn’t able to stop Patrick winning the first 4 games. A last-minute break from Hussey came too late, and Patrick wrapped it up 6-3, 6-3.
Patrick who lives in Sutton at Hone said, “I’ve been really training hard and set out this season to try and win a significant title. I’m overjoyed to have achieved this and want to thank all of those who have been supporting me, especially my family. I’d also like to thank Dartford Borough Council who have helped me through their Salute to Youth scheme.”
Patrick now joins the likes of Liam Broady, Anton Matusevich, Kyle Edmund and Emma Raducanu on the golden pineapple trophy. An exciting prospect for British tennis – congratulations Patrick!
