LONDON — Imagine getting paid £125 a day to hit tennis balls with two of the greatest players in the world—Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner—on the hallowed grass courts of Wimbledon. For Adam Jones, a 24-year-old British hitting partner, this dream became a reality during the 2024 Championships. "It’s surreal," Jones admits. "One day you’re playing local tournaments, the next you’re trading groundstrokes with legends."
The Dream Gig: How It Happened
Jones, a former college player at the University of Bath, was scouted by Wimbledon’s player liaison team after impressing at a pre-tournament training camp. "They needed reliable hitters who could mimic different playing styles," he explains. His ability to replicate both Djokovic’s relentless baseline game and Sinner’s explosive power made him a valuable asset. "I’ve studied their matches for years—now I’m living them."
The role isn’t just about rallying. Hitting partners must adapt to the stars’ needs, whether it’s drilling specific shots or simulating match intensity. Jones recalls Djokovic’s meticulous approach: "He’d ask for 20 crosscourt backhands in a row, then switch to drop shots. Every ball had to be perfect."
A Day in the Life at Wimbledon
Jones’s routine begins at 7:30 AM, with a warm-up on Aorangi Park’s practice courts. By 9 AM, he’s on Court 14 with Sinner, who prefers morning sessions. "Jannik’s intensity is insane," Jones says. "He’ll grind for two hours straight, no breaks." Afternoons are reserved for Djokovic, whose sessions are shorter but laser-focused.
- 7:30 AM: Warm-up and stretching
- 9:00 AM: Hitting session with Sinner
- 1:00 PM: Lunch (courtesy of Wimbledon’s player cafeteria)
Jones earns £125 per day, plus meals and access to player facilities. "The money’s decent, but the experience is priceless," he says. "I’ve learned more in a week here than in years of coaching."
Inside the Minds of Champions
Novak Djokovic: The Perfectionist
Djokovic’s attention to detail stunned Jones. "He noticed my grip was slightly off on a slice backhand," Jones laughs. "That’s Novak—he sees everything." The 24-time Grand Slam champion also shared advice: "Stay present. The past and future don’t exist on court."
Jannik Sinner: The Silent Assassin
Sinner, the 2024 Australian Open champion, is quieter but no less demanding. "He doesn’t say much, but his racket does the talking," Jones notes. Sinner’s team tracks every metric, from serve speed to heart rate. "They’re like scientists. Nothing’s left to chance."
The Pressure of Performing
Hitting with elites isn’t without pressure. "If you shank a ball, 50 cameras catch it," Jones says. During one session, Djokovic’s coach, Goran Ivanišević, yelled, "Again! Harder!" until Jones’s forearm cramped. "You’re pushing your limits every day," he admits.
The Takeaway: A Career Launchpad?
Jones hopes this gig leads to a coaching role. "The connections I’ve made are unreal," he says. Former hitting partners have landed jobs with top-50 players. For now, he’s savoring the moment: "How many people can say they’ve volleyed with Djokovic at Wimbledon?"
As the tournament progresses, Jones remains on call. "I’ll hit with anyone, anytime," he grins. "Well, maybe not after a five-setter."
For aspiring players, his advice is simple: "Work hard, stay humble, and always be ready. You never know when your Wimbledon moment will come."