Meet the AUSTRALIAN OPEN BALLKIDS!

THESE YOUNG TENNIS FANS ARE ACING THE COVETED JOB!

Kiara Wijayakoon, 15 

HOW DID YOU REACT WHEN YOU FOUND OUT YOU WERE CHOSEN TO BE A BALLKID AT THE 2023 AUSTRALIAN OPEN?

I was ecstatic to be selected and I'm excited to be able to do it with my brother, who was also chosen.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT TENNIS?

Tennis is a sport which keeps you on the edge of your seat and it's great how a sport can bring people from different backgrounds and cultures together.

WHAT'S THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A BALLKID?

Definitely making new friends from around Victoria and also all of Australia.

Emma Adams, 15 

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE A BALLKID?

I have always watched the Grand Slams on TV and thought the ballkids did an amazing job. When I looked into becoming a ballkid, I thought it would be a fun way to see the workings of the Australian Open and watch the best tennis players in the world close up.

IF YOU COULD PLAY AGAINST ANY TENNIS CHAMPION, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?

Ash Barty, because she is such a good role model and is so kind.

WHAT'S THE TOUGHEST PART ABOUT BEING A BALLKID?

It's hard staying focused on court with the heat after a long time and it gets tough when we are really sore.