There’s one group of young tennis fans that are feeling the anticipation for this January’s Brisbane International presented by Suncorp like no other.
The official induction for the 2017 Suncorp ballkids squad was held at the Queensland Tennis Centre over the weekend, with 120 program graduates receiving their official uniform, accreditation and tickets for the event.
Each year, the Brisbane International holds a rigorous selection and trial process, where 200 applicants are screened on their ball-skills, speed, agility and knowledge of the game.
In 2017, the lucky line-up of successful ballkids will be on court with the likes of Grand Slam Champions Rafael Nadal (ESP), Stan Warwinka (SUI), Angelique Kerber (GER), Garbine Muguruza (ESP), Svetlana Kusnetsova (RUS) and Sam Stosur (QLD).
At the end of the week long tournament, those who have excelled will be allocated to the men’s and women’s final – which is broadcast to more than 80 countries around the world.
“This is the best squad we’ve ever had,” said Steve Robson, supervisor of the ballkid program.
“It’s great to have ballkids coming from all over Australia to the prestigious Brisbane International. We’re looking forward to a great event with the world’s best players in 2017.”
In 2017, young volunteers are coming from as far afield as Hobart and Melbourne, with some returning for their fifth year, including Ipswich’s Kristen Lunney.
“My sister got into it after my dad went to Tennyson one day and saw signs up for ballkids and he thought it would be a good experience for my sister, she loved it so I thought it would be a good experience for me too,” said Lunney.
Kristin says her highlight as a ballkid so far was last year’s men’s semi-final between local favourite Bernard Tomic (QLD) and eventual champion Milos Raonic (CAN).
“I really enjoy the experience you get as part of the squad, the teamwork is amazing and by the end of the tournament you are so grateful for your time on court.”
She says while there’s a fair bit of training that goes in to being a ballkid, it’s so enjoyable it doesn’t feel like hard work.
Her advice for budding youngsters?
“Keep at it, sometimes when you’re younger you might get cut out of the squad. I remember when I was younger I was cut really early, and last year I went all the way up to semi-finals. It’s awesome to see how far you come.”
Registrations to become a ballkid at the tournament open 10 months prior to the event for children aged 12 to 17.