Joaquin Tedesco is having a ball at this year’s Australian Open.
The 13-year-old has been selected as one of 360 ballkids applicants to head into Melbourne Park to play a crucial on-court role in the tournament.
The paid opportunity is open to children aged 12 to 15, with the possibility of setting foot in Rod Laver Arena.
Through a series of training sessions ballkids are taught correct court position, how to appropriately service the players, as well as clear communication strategies with other ballkids.
As a member of the South Gisborne Tennis Club, Joaquin said he was ecstatic to be within touching distance of the stars of the game.
“Because I play tennis a lot, I figured I kind of wanted to do what those kids are doing on the TV, so I just applied,” he said.
“It’s a really good experience, being with the most famous players and being able to enjoy a moment not everyone else can.”
Of the 128 players that have qualified for the Grand Slam, Joaquin hopes he will be allocated on to the same court as the 2009 Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal.
The Australian Open will continue until January 30.
Oliver Lees
