'I'm helping Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon but I only earned £27 at recent tournament'
Adam Jones is a professional tennis player ranked 1,513th in the world - but he has a unique side job that sees him trade blows with some of the game's biggest names
Adam Jones has been helping Carlos Alcaraz practice ahead of the Wimbledon final
(Image: Instagram/adam_jonesyyy123 )
Carlos Alcaraz is on the cusp of securing his third consecutive Wimbledon title and etching his name amongs the gods of tennis, as he faces Jannik Sinner on Sunday.
Yet, Alcaraz's practice partner is a little known Englishman who has one of professional tennis' most fascinating jobs. Adam Jones, 27, has the distinctive job of emulating the playing styles of the top players' upcoming opponents, offering them a chance to fine-tune their game before stepping onto the court for their next match.
Jones, who hails from Birkenhead, Merseyside and competes on the ITF Futures Tour— the entry level for professional tennis— has been seen exchanging shots with tennis greats such as Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, 2025 women's finalist Amanda Anisimova, and Emma Raducanu.
Despite his world ranking sitting at 1,513th in singles and 619th in doubles, Jones relishes his behind-the-scenes role that keeps him away from the spotlight of venues like Centre Court.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Jones said: "It's a great gig and a fun way to earn some money. Whoever they're playing you try to copy their style.
"With Carlos, before he played Jan-Lennard Struff, who has a massive serve, I was standing a metre inside the baseline nuking serves."
Article continues below
Jones as also hit with the likes of Novak Djokovic
(Image: Instagram/adam_jonesyyy123 )
Jones shared the arduous path that led him to backhand with the best, recounting times when he had to sleep in a small tent on a Portuguese golf course or stay in dorms because hotel costs were out of reach, given the meagre prize money he earned.
"The Futures tour is a rat race - the finances are absolutely brutal," Jones revealed. "If you lose in qualifying you get no money. A couple of weeks ago I won £27 ($37) after losing in singles quallies and then lost first round doubles - the minimum for a hotel was £110 ($150) a night.
"You're losing money every single week. When people see you're a tennis player and see you're at Wimbledon, they think you have loads of money and live a luxurious life. You don't - it's the complete opposite."
Wimbledon typically employs around a dozen hitting partners, who are reportedly paid a daily rate of £120 plus perks like a food allowance and access to the club's stringers and physio services.
Adam Jones practiced with Emma Radcanu at this year's Wimbledon
(Image: Getty Images )
Jones entered this role in 2022 and was so taken by the experience that he came back the next year. By 2024, he became the full-time practice partner for Croatia's Donna Vekic, even witnessing her charge to the semi-finals that very year.
Despite his proximity to the game's heavyweights, Jones confessed to often reminiscing about his days on the Futures Tour.
"It's funny," Jones said. "Because when I was travelling the world with a top star, staying in the nicest hotels and using the best facilities, I actually missed the Futures.
Article continues below
"I wanted to go back to the jungle and the hellholes. You've got to remember where you came from. Remember the grind."
Residing in California with his girlfriend, Jones is gearing up to return stateside for a three-week stint in a Futures event in Illinois. However, he has unfinished business at the All England Club. "Next year I want to be back at Wimbledon - playing doubles. That's the goal," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
26 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Gregg Wallace breaks silence on brutal 8 months, slams BBC for leaving him exposed and warns ‘I won't be the last'
The report findings have been released in full SPEAKS OUT Gregg Wallace breaks silence on brutal 8 months, slams BBC for leaving him exposed and warns 'I won't be the last' SHAMED Gregg Wallace has broken his silence after a bombshell report into his inappropriate behaviour was revealed. The MasterChef star, 60, was sacked by the BBC after an investigation upheld 45 out of the 83 allegations made against him. Advertisement 1 Gregg Wallace has broken his silence after a bombshell report upheld 45 of 83 allegations against him Credit: Getty The TV host, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder during the seven-month probe, has now released a statement. He said: "For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. "None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. "I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended." Advertisement He went on to add that he is "relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018". And he admitted that some of his humour and language "missed the mark". But the TV chef insisted: "I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off. After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I've only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. "I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier. Advertisement "A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I'm perceived. I'm still learning. Banijay have given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake. "To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place." He added: "I was the headline this time. But I won't be the last. There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move." It follows a scathing Instagram post shared from his platform last week. Advertisement He vowed he would "not go quietly" and blasted the corporation for failing to "investigate my disability or protect me". This comes as the report into Wallace's behaviour has also revealed two more people are facing a probe over "inappropriate behaviour". The report found out of the 83 allegations against Wallace, 45 were substantiated. Most of them involved inappropriate sexual language and humour. Advertisement But, the investigation also looked at 10 complaints made about other people, from the period between 2012 to 2018/2019. Two were substantiated, relating to inappropriate language, one for swearing and the other for racist language. 'Lewis Silkin's findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals," stated the report. 'We'll never work with him again', blast BBC as Gregg Wallace report reveals 'substantial' allegations over 19 YEARS "The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. Advertisement "This will be completed as a priority." Of the substantiated claims regarding Wallace, some related to other inappropriate language, being in a state of undress, and one case of unwanted physical contact. The report concluded 94 per cent of the allegations against Wallace related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018. Claims we've previously reported about Gregg THE report upheld 45 out of the 83 complaints made. Here we take a look at the allegations made against the TV star: - November 28, 2024 Wallace faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News. The TV star steps away from presenting MasterChef while Banijay, the show's production company, announces it is conducting an external review to "fully and impartially investigate" the claims against him. BBC News says allegations include the presenter "talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans". Broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who was a Celebrity MasterChef contestant in 2011, says he told "sexualised" jokes during filming. Model Ulrika Jonsson tells The Telegraph that when she competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, Wallace allegedly had to apologise after making a "rape joke", which caused another female contestant to become "really distressed". Sir Rod Stewart takes to Instagram following the accusations, accusing Wallace of "humiliating" his wife Penny Lancaster on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021. Producer and director Dawn Elrick posts a letter on Instagram which includes a number of anonymous accounts from people who allege they "have experienced sexism and sexual harassment within the TV industry". She claims the letter, which accuses Wallace of making lewd comments, was sent to the BBC in 2022. The TV star's lawyers say "it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature", BBC News reports. Wallace thanks his Instagram followers for "showing their support". - November 29, 2024 Wallace faces a string of new allegations with one woman, who worked on a travel show with him, accusing him of making "lesbian jokes constantly", as reported by BBC News. The charity Ambitious About Autism says it had dropped Wallace as an ambassador, citing the "recent allegations". - November 30, 2024 The Sunday Telegraph reports producer Georgia Harding, who worked on MasterChef between 2014 and 2015 and later Eat Well For Less, claimed she raised concerns about "inappropriate" behaviour from him while working on the show. Banijay UK confirms it has appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. - December 1, 2024 Wallace says in a video posted to Instagram that accusations about him making sexual comments towards staff and guests have come from "middle-class women of a certain age". TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp tells BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend that she was "so embarrassed" she thought she "might cry" after Wallace allegedly made a comment to her about his sex life. Celebrity MasterChef 2012 champion Emma Kennedy tells Times Radio the former greengrocer "just doesn't understand that some behaviour is completely inappropriate". - December 2, 2024 Downing Street says Wallace's response to the accusations being made against him was "inappropriate and misogynistic". A spokesperson also says that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has held talks with BBC bosses in the wake of the Wallace row. Following the backlash, Wallace apologises for any "offence" or "upset" he caused with his remarks and said he will now "take some time out" while the investigation is under way. - December 3, 2024 Two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials are pulled from the BBC's schedule. Wallace faces fresh allegations with one woman claiming he touched her bottom after an event and another alleging he pressed his crotch against her while filming on a different show, according to BBC News. - December 4, 2024 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says politicians should be ready to put in place "mechanisms" that would instil "confidence" that women will be taken seriously in reports of inappropriate behaviour after a Labour MP asked him about "women of a certain age", reflecting comments Wallace apologised for. MasterChef presenter John Torode says in a social media post that he "loves being part of" the programme and "will continue to be a part of it" after Wallace stepped back from the show. A ghostwriter claims Wallace sexually harassed her while she was working on his 2012 autobiography. - December 10, 2024 Ms Nandy says she is "prepared to take further action" if the creative industries cannot address "cultures of silence and issues being swept under the rug" in relation to claims of misconduct while appearing before the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee. - April 25, 2025 Wallace tells the Daily Mail he "thought about suicide all the time" after allegations of misconduct were made against him. - July 8, 2025 Wallace is sacked as MasterChef presenter following the inquiry into his alleged misconduct by production company Banijay, BBC News reports. Fresh claims about the TV presenter are made from 50 more people to the corporation including allegations he groped one MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another, BBC News says. The majority claim he made inappropriate sexual comments, with 11 women accusing him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. BBC News says it has not seen the final review from Banijay, but it is understood the presenter has been sacked. In an Instagram post the former greengrocer claims he had been cleared of the "most serious and sensational accusations" against him, ahead of the published review. He also said he recognises that some of his humour and language was inappropriate "at times" and apologised for this. It is not known which of these complaints - if any - were upheld. There was only one substantiated allegation after 2018. Advertisement Wallace was said to have been "co-operative and forthcoming" and during three interviews, which lasted a total of 14 hours. The report found Wallace's behaviour made people uncomfortable. The TV star's comments on set were sometimes met with laughter and they were only occasionally challenged at the time, the report found. In a statement last week, Wallace told how he had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Advertisement Investigators noted this as "highly relevant", in understanding his difficulty reading social cues and use of humour as a "masking technique". The report has stated many people who worked on MasterChef were freelancers, who hesitated to make any complaints. They claimed this was because they feared the stability of their jobs. This saw the investigation rule there was an inadequate complaints and behavioural policy before 2016. Advertisement It found there was little or no formal training, or clear escalation procedures in place. This resulted in underreporting and normalisation of inappropriate behaviour, the report stated. It was revealed 19 people said they raised concerns about Wallace but only 11 formal, or informal, complaints were made about his behaviour on MasterChef between 2005 and 2024. Of these 11 identified complaints, eight were recognised as such at the time. Advertisement The other three were treated as comments, and no action was taken. Four of the eight recognised complaints were raised with both the production company and the BBC, two with the production company only, and two with the BBC alone. The BBC gave Wallace a formal warning in 2017 following a complaint. The TV star removed himself from social settings and sought advice from colleagues to avoid further problems, it was stated. Advertisement BBC FIRING The BBC have since announced the possibility of Gregg returning to MasterChef was "untenable". A "final decision" on whether the latest season of the show will be aired will "not be made at this stage", the broadcaster added. The full statement read: "We welcome the publication of the findings by Lewis Silkin, following the investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace. "In light of these findings, Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace's return to MasterChef is untenable. Advertisement "The BBC has informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future. "The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. "This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us. "Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. Advertisement "We accept more could and should have been done sooner. "We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year. "We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace's behaviour. "Lewis Silkin's findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals. Advertisement "The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. This will be completed as a priority. "The BBC will not be commenting further at this stage, but we are clear we expect the highest standards of respect at work to be upheld on the production. "At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. "We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants. Advertisement "In April the BBC published a detailed response to an independent review of workplace culture, which reinforces expectations around behaviour and that we will act more decisively when standards are not met. "This also requires all TV production partners to align with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) standards. "We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.'
Daily Mirror
34 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Jannik Sinner's 'difficult' talk with Kate Middleton and kids at Wimbledon final
Jannik Sinner was crowned Wimbledon champion following his victory over Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court as the Italian spoke to Prince George and Princess Charlotte Tennis sensation Jannik Sinner wowed the Wimbledon crowd and gave Prince George and Princess Charlotte a day to remember as they chatted with the newly-crowned champion. The young royals, alongside their parents, had prime seats in the Royal Box on Centre Court, where they watched Sinner triumph over Spain's Carlos Alcaraz. The 23-year-old clinched his first Wimbledon title by defeating Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. After the match, video footage captured Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, 10, sharing a special moment with the Wimbledon winner, who gifted them a keepsake. Their mother, the Princess of Wales, who had received a standing ovation at Wimbledon the previous day, looked on as her children engaged with Sinner. The tennis star signed three small green tennis balls for the Royal youngsters and handed them to Princess Charlotte. Despite his calm demeanour on Centre Court, the Italian confessed he initially found it challenging to know the right way to speak to Princess Kate and her family. "In the beginning, I didn't know what to say," Sinner admitted during his post-match press conference. "It's difficult to understand, you know, how you can talk. I always try to talk very natural. "I asked the kids if they play tennis and asked them what kind of rackets they play with, these kind of things. It was amazing. I believe for us tennis players, it's so nice to have them watching us because it makes it even more special. "You see how much they care about tennis and the sport itself. It's very prestigious. I've been lucky to meet [the Princess of Wales] and the whole family, and it was a very nice moment." Sinner returned two signed tennis balls before Princess Charlotte offered up a third for him to sign. Princess Kate smiled and explained: "They've got one for their brother as well," while the young royals gratefully accepted the tennis memorabilia. Princess Kate, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, expressed her admiration for the speed at which champions' names appeared on the winners' board. She had earlier had the privilege of presenting the trophy to an elated Sinner. Emulating their parents' etiquette, Princess Charlotte and Prince George shared formal handshakes with Sinner, with George even offering a warm "well done" to the tennis star. Royal fans were charmed by the clips circulating on Wimbledon's official platforms. One social media user said: "He signed a tennis ball for the future king of England. This has got to be the best day of this guy's life." A second added: "A delightful tradition at Wimbledon, where champions like Jannik Sinner gift signed tennis balls to young royals, capturing a moment of sportsmanship and cultural significance." The gesture for Prince Louis didn't go unnoticed, with a third fan posting: "The little princess gave him two balls to sign – one for her and the other for her little brother Louis." A fourth Royal fan noted the Prince of Wales' behaviour during the meeting: "I love how Prince William stands back, respecting his wife's position as Patron of the LTA." The Princess of Wales is accustomed to the thrill of Wimbledon finals, having awarded Alcaraz the trophy following his victory over Novak Djokovic last year. This year's final marked Sinner's fourth Grand Slam singles title, with two Australian Open wins and a US Open triumph already under his belt.
Wales Online
35 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Wrexham owner heartbroken after manager didn't tell him his favourite player was leaving
Wrexham owner heartbroken after manager didn't tell him his favourite player was leaving One of Wrexham's Hollywood co-owners has opened up on how he was devastated to learn of the departure of a key player via social media, reflecting on the emotional impact Rob McElhenney, who co-owns Wrexham with Ryan Reynolds, has revealed his shock over a player's departure (Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images ) Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has revealed how he was left heartbroken after learning about the departure of one of his favourite players via social media. The Red Dragons have said goodbye to several stars since securing a third consecutive promotion to the Championship in April, including stalwart goalkeeper Mark Howard and veteran striker Steven Fletcher. Meanwhile, it was announced last month that Wrexham talisman Paul Mullin would be joining Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan after falling out of favour under manager Phil Parkinson last season. McElhenney, who recently filed to legally change his name to Rob Mac, has now opened up on the emotional impact of saying goodbye to players who have been a key part of the club's success. The It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor and co-creator said he only discovered one team member was leaving this summer after reading about it on X, formerly known as Twitter. Speaking on the Pardon My Take podcast, McElhenney added that he was not informed of the impending exit by Parkinson beforehand but defended the approach taken by the former Bolton and Sunderland boss. The 48-year-old said: "I found out one of my favourite players was released from the team this year. I found out via Twitter and I was just as shocked as he was. It was his statement, and the manager hadn't told us yet. "He talked to the player, which is what he should have done, the player talked to his teammates and then put out a statement, which is his right to do. My heart was broken and I did not see it coming. Article continues below Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has opened up about the challenges of running a football club (Image: Chris Jackson/PA Wire ) "The players will often play themselves out of a job. This happened with a few of our players where they gave their hearts, their souls and their effort and helped us get promoted. "For that, us, the club and the town are eternally grateful. But what winds up happening is, you go up a league, and maybe they're 36 or 37 years old, and you need somebody who's 21 or 22. They accept that, but it still doesn't make it easy and it's not fun." Wrexham were playing in the National League when McElhenney and Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds first bought the club in February 2021. The North Wales outfit has since enjoyed three promotions in a row, with the two actors helping to lift the team into the second tier. During the interview, McElhenney lifted the lid on how he approached Reynolds about joining his bid to buy a football club. He also discussed the warning he received from his wife, Kaitlin Olson, before contacting the Canadian megastar. Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. "I went back recently and I found the original email that I sent to him where I laid out the idea and what I wanted to do," said McElhenney. "Originally, I was going to do it on my own and ask Ryan if he wanted to be a sponsor with Aviation Gin as the front of kit sponsor. "The more I thought about it, the more I realised that he's such an entrepreneur. He's globally famous, whatever he touches seems to turn to gold and if I could potentially include him as a partner, that could take this thing into the stratosphere. "I remember asking my wife about it, and I said, 'Caitlin, what do you think about me asking Ryan to be a full partner on this?' She said, 'I don't know. I guess it depends on whether your ego can take sharing the screen with Ryan.'" Article continues below Highlighting the key to their success as owners, he added: "We were honest from the very beginning, and we went in with our hearts on our sleeves and said, 'We don't know anything about football.' I was not even a fan of the beautiful game up until five years ago, and now I'm horrifically addicted."
