Sale Tennis Club will host an Australian Open Ballkids Trial for the 2022 AO on Sunday June 6th. The Level 1 Trial for the AO Ballkids Program is designed to identify children with skills in the areas of rolling, servicing and court movement, all of which are critical to the overall function of the ballkid on court.
Ballkids play an integral role in ensuring that tennis tournaments run smoothly. Throughout the Australian Open series, each ballkid is a focal part of every game, be it at Rod Laver Arena or an outside court.
The Australian Open Ballkids Program has one of the most intensive training programs of the four Grand Slams and focuses on the development of core skills and overall tennis knowledge, whilst also encouraging team work, communication and leadership amongst participants.
Applicants who rank within the top 400 performers Australia wide at the Level 1 Trials will be invited to attend Level 2 trials where they will again be assessed for the opportunity to join the AO Ballkids Training Program.
Tennis Australia is extremely proud of our Australian Open Ballkids, who are consistently recognised as the highest quality Ballkids of the four Grand Slam events. This reputation is attributed to the rigorous selection process and intensive training program that leads into each January.
An extremely high level of commitment is required to become a ballkid at the Australian Open. All sessions throughout the trials, training and team briefings are compulsory to attend. The Australian Open Ballkids Program generates interest and admiration from within the tennis community globally and is a fantastic experience for those lucky enough to be involved.
Interested applicants must be aged 12 to 15 as of 31 December 2021.
Potential ballkids must pre-register through the AO website: https://ballkids.tennis.com.au/Register.aspx Registrations close at least 7 days before the trials and cannot be taken on the day. The trials run from 10.00 am to 11.30 am on Sunday, June 6.
For further information prospective ballkids can contact Club Professional Coach, Anthony Zafiris on 0403 724 796.
Photo: 2020 and 2021 ballkid Aden Best from Sale Tennis Club