Big events put ball in kids' court

Sam Nash (left) gets ready for ballboy duty as Sean Berman practises his strokes. Picture / Richard Robinson

Naughty children have no place courtside at Auckland's two international tennis tournaments.

But for the 80 who do make the cut to work as ballkids for the ASB Classic and Heineken Open, they have an unrivalled chance to get up close to some of the world's best players.

The highly visible role is demanding and requires plenty of training.

"We are not a baby-sitting outfit," said Guy Nash, who has long worked with the mainly 12- to 14-year-olds who fulfil a vital role at the Classic and Open. "They need to show enthusiasm, skill and acceptable behaviour to be considered.

"We don't have time for those who step out of line. It is all on in the five training sessions we put them through. I have sent a few home over the years because of their behaviour."

The positive for Nash and Auckland Tennis officials is the number of youngsters who started as ballkids and have gone on to other roles.

"Quite a lot return in following years to work in catering, on the scoreboards, as ushers and even as linespeople," said Nash.

"The experience they gain is invaluable. Almost all come from a tennis background and have a good understanding. We just take it from there to hone the skills they need."

It is full on for the 14 days at the ASB Bank Tennis Centre from the start of Classic qualifying until the Open final, with most aiming to work as many matches as possible.

The pay is not great - a daily allowance of $8 - but the reward of being so closely involved compensates.

But for some of New Zealand's best young players there will not be time to work the courts. They will be inside the lines playing as part of an initiative to introduce some of the sport's rising stars.

The inaugural Sovereign Superstars will give these hand-picked players a taste of being in a professional environment.

Auckland Tennis operations manager Richard Palmer, who is also tournament director for the Classic, has welcomed the concept.

"They are all extremely excited to be recognised in this way," said Palmer. "They will get to meet some of their tennis idols, watch them play live and get a taste of centre court action themselves. It will be a real highlight of their young careers."

The five boys, who will play on January 9 and 10, include Auckland's Sean Berman, 12, who has played extensively in the United States. He will be joined by Anton Bettink (North Harbour), Joshua White and Jamie Yates (Bay of Plenty) and Canterbury's Richard Hornby.

The girls, who will play on January 2 and 3, are Briar Preston (North Harbour), Heidi Stewart (Bay of Plenty), Leela Beattie (Canterbury) and Auckland's Kataraina Hunia.