Eight budding Australian Open Ballkid hopefuls tried out for a role in the major Grand Slam at Level 1 Trials at Sale Tennis Club on Sunday 17 May.

It was the 10th consecutive year that the club has hosted the AO ballkids trials.  

Sale Tennis Club has a rich connection with the AO, with more than 20 ballkids coming from the club over the past 15 years.

In 2025, Louis Lazzaro was selected to work as a Ballkid Leader and did the tournament draw for the Men’s Singles.

Milla Lazzaro was also a ballkid and finals flag bearer in that year. Both enjoyed what can only be described as one of the great “money can’t buy” experiences!

Each year more than 5,000 children aged 12 to 15 participate in trials throughout Australia all vying for selection as an official Australian Open ballkid.  Those that make it through Level 1 trials then enter Level Two trials for returning and successful Level One ballkids in July.

The final AO 2027 squad of around 400 ballkids will complete a minimum of four on-court training sessions and an official induction and orientation day, where they will learn about the tournament and the important role they play.

Training includes drills to develop ball handling skills, rolling with precision, and anticipating players’ needs. The final step is perfecting the march on and off court.

On-court skills are mastered at the Australian Wheelchair Tennis Nationals in November, as the squad builds towards peaking for Australian Open 2027 that commences on January 17. 

The 8 hopefuls from Sale will learn if they have progressed to Level 2 on June 27. 

Photo:  Kate-Lyn Perkin from Tennis Australia puts the ballkid hopefuls through their trial.

For further information please contact Robin Lowe 0418 514 788 or Kellie Lazzaro on 0413 332 999.