dropshot HWY61

Documentary film maker and environmental writer, Ceri Levy, discovers if he has what it takes to be a sports journalist under the tutelage of Garry Hayes, an experienced journalist and now podcast mogul. It all takes place in the unique atmosphere of a forgotten grass court summer in the UK. In this first episode set at the Surbiton Trophy they meet with Jay Clarke, James Ward and Paul Jubb and his coach, Jonny Carmichael. The scene is set, the die is cast and Ceri and Garry are back on the tennis trail. Dropshot returns!




Featured in this episode: Jay Clarke, James Ward and Paul Jubb.

Rain stops play but Ceri and Garry get a surprise when Jay Clarke and his coach and brother Curt Clarke, invite them to the National Tennis Centre, to see what goes into a training session. And a further surprise awaits them as his hitting partner for the day turns out to be none other than Frances Tiafoe, the American star. A unique experience ensues.




Featured in this episode: Jay Clarke and Frances Tiafoe.

Surbiton’s rain may have gone away but Garry has disappeared too! Ceri is all alone on a busy morning which saw the women’s tournament get under way. Conversations involved an encounter with Dropshot favourite, Alex de Minaur, and fellow Australian Matt Reid; Heather Watson chats engagingly with Ceri; Alison van Uytvanck talks from the gym; American Caty McNally, reveals the breakfast she shouldn’t have had and describes the mentality needed to cope with the tour and Dan Evans reveals his thoughts on young players. Phew!! It’s a busy old morning!




Featured in this episode: Alex de Minaur, Matt Reid, Heather Watson, Alison van Uytvanck, Caty McNally and Dan Evans.

Nottingham!  




Featured in this episode: Magdalena Rybarikova, Katy Dunne, Alison Riske, Nick Kyrgios.

In Nottingham, rain yet again totals a day’s play but luckily Ceri and Garry have the opportunity to make the short trip to Derby to watch Jay Clarke being put through various routines with his coaching and fitness team. The effort put in is gruelling but this is what it takes to be a professional athlete. Simon Brundish, the fitness guy, talks through all things physical and Ceri is shocked to find that we have three hamstrings and Garry only wants to talk glutes and calves. 

 

Featured in this episode: Jay Clarke

A deluge of rain stops all play all day. The weather also keeps Garry away from Nottingham. Meanwhile Ceri takes the opportunity to chat with Curt Clarke, Jay Clarke’s brother and coach. He learns more about the supportive Clarke family unit and the power of acceptance of situations. When finally the difficult decision is taken to play matches indoors away from the fans,  Ceri gets the chance to chat again with Paul Jubb, watches Jay Clarke retire with an injury and late into the night witnesses Jack Draper win his first match at this level. Before turning the lights out at the venue, Ceri and Jack discuss this momentous occasion.

 

Featured in this episode: Paul Jubb, Jack Draper