They’ve been through a rigorous process to make the final cut, now the 380 kids who’ll be chasing tennis balls for international superstars, were treated to a visit from 2008 Australian Open champion, Maria Sharapova.
The Russian sensation stopped by for a photo op - trading the racket for a selfie stick.
“Thanks so much for everything you do for us,” Sharapova said.
“I'm looking forward to a good couple of weeks coming up.”
Among the hundreds of 12 to 15-year-old ball kids, 28 are from overseas.
For the 13th year, 20 ball kids have come over from Korea, China’s exchange program for six kids is now in its third year, and for the first time, two ball kids are here from Singapore.
Fourteen-year-old Filza Nur is one of them.
“It's my first time here. In a grand slam and ball kidding for a grand slam”, she said. “So I'm quite excited."
Filza and her compatriot Max Yeo were selected as the two best ball kids following their performance during the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals, held in Singapore last year.
“I’m honoured, really honoured, and lucky,” said Max.
Some kids hope to one day be receiving the balls instead of throwing them, but until then, they’re all vying to get closer to the players than the rest of us – with Rafael Nadal, their stand out favourite.
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