By MELISSA MEEHAN
FOR Sebastian Sutterby, the best part of working at the Australian Open isn’t rubbing shoulders with his tennis heroes – it’s being on the court and taking in the atmosphere.
The 13-year-old Upwey South tennis player has just completed his first Open as a ball boy and says he’s excited to get involved again next year.
“It’s one thing being a spectator courtside but it is a completely different thing being a ballkid on court,” Sebastian said.
“Last year was my second time trying out to become a ballkid at the 2014 Australian Open.
“I was lucky enough to get through the trials and for me, it was an experience of a lifetime.”
Sebastian said he made heaps of friends and even got to walk down the same corridors as the best tennis players in the world.
“I was fortunate enough to be on court with Milos Raonic who is the world number 11,” he said.
Faced with extreme heat, Sebastian said while it was uncomfortable some days, it was well worth the trouble.
“These are just some of the things that you do being a ballkid, I suggest anyone interested in tennis to have a go.”
Level one trials to be a ball boy or girl will be held at Upwey South in March. Anyone interested can go to ausopen.com.au to apply, or contact Stuart on 0412 106 416 for more information.
