slides: Tennis Hall of Fame: A View from the Ball Kids

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Carol Anne Costa, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

One, two, two, one, switch. That, my friends is ball kid language for a tiebreak! Oh to be young again! To be willing to muster the strength, spirit, focus and enthusiasm to chase down tennis balls for ATP professionals, on days with 97% humidity and temps climbing into the 90’s. It is something each one of these dedicated HOF ball kids would not trade for the world. A ball kid’s job is not an easy one. Way more than handing a towel, chasing a ball or changing the scoreboard, it is an investment in the game and the Hall of Fame. These kids know the game and remain focused on the play, players and the venue. History is not lost on them. Ask yourself if you would know what end of the court to send the ball in a tiebreak or who invented the modern tiebreak; no worries they can tell you. Ball kids on court must be keenly aware of the point, the game and set, at all times. They must know where and how the pro wants the ball tossed to him, when he “looks like” he needs a towel off. At the same time ball kids must remember where the balls are coming from and going to and make it look so easy on any show court. Off the court they need to know the venue and the operation of the tournament.

Not as Easy as it Looks...

The job takes practice, humility and concentration. So, why do it? That’s easy... for a Fila shirt, shorts, socks, tennis shoes and a cap and let’s not forget all the pizza and fun food you can eat. Make no mistake; these kids see their contributions as more than a summer fun gig, most of them truly embrace the role of ambassador of the game. Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised with the level of dedication, knowledge, articulation and their personal stake in Hall of Fame Championships, as for them, it is way more than a tournament. It is a chance to give to the game they love, while at the same time be as close as you can get to the tennis pros they often look up to, said, Sepi Raissi, “It is really great to be on court with them and see tennis from a real view. We see what they see that and that is just great.”

Great Kids

I sat down with several ball kids today; some veterans, some newbies and it was a treat. If I may, I wish to share some thoughts of these simply terrific kids. I asked Rebecca Romijn of Seekonk MA veteran ball kid, "Have you ever been hit by a shot"? “Oh yes a year ago in the stomach.” I find out, it was a serve by the ATP’s biggest server, Ivo Karlovic. Can you say ouch? Erin Aymerich of Norwalk, Connecticut said, “I love getting to know to all the people, learning more about the sport and passing it on.” Kavi Mongiagaspar got the carry of the day, as he assisted Rajeev Ram out to stadium court, he noted, “I was initially rooting for Isner but, then when I carried Rajeev’s bag and he spoke with me, he was so nice, we talked and now I am very happy he won.” Kavi is all in with Raj. Katelyn Zak of Lincoln, Rhode Island recommends being a ball kid to everyone. She cautions the job is hard work and notes that being a ball kid requires concentration and stamina, “It is hard work, it requires focus but, it also looks really good on your college applications!.” These kids consider themselves ambassadors of the game and are invested volunteers.

The Hall of Fame Championships do not happen without ball kids and these kids are simply remarkable. Talking to them and discovering the pride they have as ambassadors of tennis and the Hall of Fame is inspiring.

Tuesday saw the defeat of defending Champ, John Isner by Rajeev Ram in a thrilling 3 setter. Jack Sock was victorious, as was fellow American Sam Querrey. Tommy Haas remains in limbo, as his match was called for darkness. Check out all the results. On to day three…

Carol Anne Costa in addition to being a Mindsetter for GoLocalProv has solid roots in the tennis world. Costa founded the Rhode Island High School Tennis Coaches Association. A Rhode Island Interscholastic High School Coach from 1981–1990. She is also a Rhode Island High School Tennis Coaches Hall of Famer, inducted in the class of 2011. Carol will be reporting from the grass courts of International Tennis Hall of Fame on the tennis and so much more, as the Hall of Fame Championships main draw singles and doubles are underway.

Related Slideshow: Hall of Fame Tennis Championships - Day 2 Action

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In the upset of the day, Rajeev Ram defeated #1 seed and defending champion John Isner in three sets. The scores were as follows 6-7 (5), 6-3, 7-6(8).

The match lasted one hour and 55 minutes.

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Tommy Haas and fifth seed Adrian Mannarino' match was suspended due to darkness. They will resume their first-round match today.

The match stands at 6-7(5), 7-6(1).

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Does he look familiar? Spotted in the chair for the Ram V. Isner match….

None other than the chair of the Gentleman’s Final at Wimbledon Ali Nilli

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One, two, two, one, switch. That, my friends is ball kid language for a tiebreak!

The job takes practice, humility and concentration. So, why do it? That’s easy... for a Fila shirt, shorts, socks, tennis shoes and a cap and let’s not forgets all the pizza and fun food you can eat. Make no mistake; these kids see their contributions as more than a summer fun gig, most of them truly embrace the role of ambassador of the game.