By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
SEVEN kids from The Hills have had the chance to participate in this year’s Australian Open Tennis Tournament as ballkids.
The kids who train at Upwey South, Ferny Creek and Selby Tennis clubs spent three weeks on court at the Australian Open, being up close to their favourite tennis stars.
The seven from around The Hills were part of the 329 ballkids aged between 12 and 15 years from around Victoria.
Grace Staindl-Dymond, 14, has been a ballkid for two consecutive years and says the experience is well worth it.
“It’s an awesome experience and lots of fun,” she said.
“You get to be up close and personal with the players, I absolutely loved it.”
Ms Staindl-Dymond also said she learned a lot from the experience of being a ballkid.
“We make lots of new friends, build our confidence and learn new leadership skills,” she said.
The kids underwent six on-court training sessions and an official induction and orientation day, where they learnt about the tournament and their responsibilities.
Training included drills to develop ball handling skills, rolling with precision and anticipating players’ needs and perfecting the march on and off court.
Rowan Ennis-King had his ballkid debut this year, and said it was an experience he won’t forget anytime soon.
“It was great, I really enjoyed it,” he said.
“Being close to all the players and watching their games and seeing them in person. John Millman even called me a legend.”
Trials will soon be conducted for the 2017 Australian Open Ballkids program with Upwey South Tennis Club as an official host venue for the Level One trials.
Applications are now open for the 2017 squad, and Extreme Tennis will be hosting Level One trials on behalf of the Australian Open on Saturday 19 March at Upwey South TC.
For registrations or to apply, check out www.tennis.com.au/ballkids
