WHILE the Wimbledon crowd cheered on in amazement at the battling spirit of a new British hero, one man in the crowd was perhaps less surprised.

12 years before his headline-making five-set thriller against Australia’s Marinko Matosevic, Davyhulme performance coach, Ric Moylan, recognised the potential of rising Stockport tennis star, Liam Broady.

Speaking from Wimbledon just an hour before Liam’s game second round match against Belgian second seed David Goffin, Ric told the Messenger about his first meeting with the current British number six – brother of tennis playing sister, Naomi.

“I had a client who introduced me to the Broady family. Liam was about nine-years-old at the time,” remembered Ric.

“I could see, even at that age, he had something pretty special.

“The last time I was here at Wimbledon with him was when he was a junior. I suppose I’m a bit like a big brother to him now.”

Liam was a wildcard entry into the first round. He lost the first two sets before battling back to win an epic three hour encounter.

“Despite losing the first two sets, I felt that Liam played some great tennis” said Ric.

“To go on and win that was fantastic for him. It was a brilliant performance.

“He’s a very gifted athlete. We believe that he got what it takes to be one of the best players in the world.”

Ric also trains Bury’s boxing world champion Scott Quigg and previously worked with Ricky Hatton.

Originally from Old Trafford, the 36-year-old sets Liam’s nutritional plans and fitness development routines.

Liam’s meteoric rise has seen him climb from a ranking of 470 in the world to 150 in just one year.

“We’re a very tight-knit team. We work very closely together and that closeness is one of Liam’s strengths,” added Ric.

“We’ve had a big year. There has been lots of progression. It’s testimony to Liam’s hard work.

“I was very proud of his victory. I’m very proud of Liam for everything he’s achieved so far, and it’s just the start of his career.”