On Sunday 3 May 2026, after overcoming inclement weather, more than 60 enthusiastic prospective ballkids participated in a trial ahead of the 2027 Australian Open. The ballkid trial was hosted at Maccabi Tennis Club, which provided us with a great opportunity to showcase our facility and programs to the local community. Maccabi Tennis Club was one of a select number of tennis clubs in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria approached by Tennis Australia to host a ballkid trial.

One of the Maccabi Tennis Club volunteers that kindly assisted with grading was none other than talented junior and new recruit Ori Diamond, 16, who was himself a ballkid at the 2026 Australian Open men's singles final. Ori, together with his younger brother Raphael Diamond, recently joined Maccabi Tennis Club and are playing their first season of men's Pennant. Raphael was also a ballkid at the 2026 Australian Open.

Ori (back row, second from left) is pictured below with 2026 Australian Open men's singles champion Carlos Alcaraz, along with the other men's singles final ballkids.