Coffs Harbour’s Charlie Pade wins National Indigenous Tennis Carnival U18 boys

Coffs Harbour teen Charlie Pade has set a “no limits” cap on his tennis career after winning a national tournament and scoring a hug from the queen of the sport.

Coffs Harbour teen tennis sensation Charlie Pade and tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Picture: Tennis Australia

Prodigious Coffs Harbour talent Charlie Pade had to fight nerves as he slogged his way to victory in the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) in Darwin.

Charlie claimed the 18-and-under boys’ title and was pinching himself after receiving his trophy from 14-time Grand Slam champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley.

“I had such a great time connecting with all of the kids and people who have been a part of the Evonne Goolagong Foundation,” Goolagong Cawley said.

Coffs Harbour's Charlie Pade won the 2023 18-and-under boys’ title at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin. Picture: Tennis Australia

“It’s also special to present the awards at the end because after the four days we become like family and by being part of this event we not only play and connect through tennis, but we also learn about culture, and that makes us all stronger.”

Charlie was stoked to salute.

Charlie Pade: “I love being out there by myself.” Picture: Tennis Australia

“It was a tough match – a lot of long games,” he said.

“It took a long time for me to serve out the first set. Bit of nerves there obviously being the final.”

The length of some of the points was not reflected in the scoreline, with Charlie defeating fellow New South Welshman Quincy Kahn 6-0 6-1.

More than 160 participants travelled to Darwin for the 2023 NITC from every state and territory.

The Coffs youngster has set the bar high for the future.

“I love being out there by myself trying to problem solve different situations,” Charlie said.

“My goals in tennis are to just keep playing, keep enjoying it, and see where it takes me … I want to get as far as I can.”