Tennis ace Broady talks Grealish, Mahrez and Wimbledon on latest official podcast | OneFootball

Lifelong City fan Liam Broady is the guest on the latest Official Man City Podcast and the Stockport-born tennis star discusses everything from Riyad Mahrez’s ‘dodgy’ backhand to his Jack Grealish-inspired celebration.

The 30-year-old star has been plagued by injury this year and despite a brave attempt to overcome the odds, he exited this year’s Wimbledon championship in the first round.

Interviewed by co-hosts Nedum Onuoha and Rob Pollard, the affable Broady talked at length about his love for City, including how he keeps tables on his beloved Blues when, by his own admission, he is touring the world for 46 weeks of the year.

“It can be difficult on occasions but sometimes it can match up quite nicely with the tennis schedule,” reveals Broady.

“It can work quite well unless you're somewhere like Australia where in that case I'll just watch the highlights in the morning.”

Broady revealed he has played tennis with a now former City star a couple of years back when he took the opportunity to take on our former Algerian winger Mahrez.

Broad y was impressed by what he saw, though spotted a few flaws in Mahrez’s game.

“Yeah, I played tennis with Riyad Mahrez a few years ago,” smiled Broady.

“He had a good forehand and was pretty decent, but his backhand was a bit ropey - he was obsessed with Roger Federer, as many people are.”

Famously, Broady celebrated a win at Wimbledon in the style of one of his favourite players - Jack Grealish – at last year’s Wimbledon.

On the podcast, he explains why that happened and his frustration at why Jack gets such a hard time from supporters of other clubs.

“I think it was before the start of his second season that I first saw that celebration,” he says.

“I feel felt Jack just gets an inordinate amount of abuse and I think even he doesn’t know why – nor does any City.

“So I was desperate for Jack to do well and I remember him scoring in one game and he put his fingers in his ears and I just thought 'yes' that’s his message to his detractors that he can’t hear them.

“So when I did it, it was just because it was a cool celebration more than anything else.

“I always feel I know what fans want to see at Wimbledon, so I always play up to it when I'm there.”

With the Davis Cup coming to Manchester in September, Broady is hoping the people of the city come out and enjoy tennis’ version of the World Cup.

The fact it’s in his home city is what excites Broady the most.

“Two things I am passionate about is tennis and where I'm from and the Davis Cup coming to Manchester is a big deal for the city and really important as the north used to be such a powerhouse of tennis talent,” he said.

“Maybe not so much in recent years, but Fred Perry was the greatest British men’s player of all time, and he was from Stockport.

“It might not seem like a big deal, but it is for me and the people of Manchester always turn out in big numbers for tennis tournaments.

“There is such a rich history in Greater Manchester for tennis and people just don't really know it.

“For instance, the Northern in Didsbury was where players such as John McEnroe and Pete Sampras played down the years, and it was known as the ‘Wimbledon of the north’.

“The Davis Cup is not like Wimbledon - it's a lot louder and more fun and the players are more interactive with the crowd.

“It's more of a party atmosphere and you get to  see some of the best tennis players in the world.

“So I’d urge people to get along and watch.”

Great Britain will take on Canada and Argentina in the Davis Cup from September 10-15 at the AO Arena. Details can be found here.