Ball kid energised by ‘electric’ AO final

SPAIN, Russia, and Ballarat were all represented on Rod Laver Arena last month during the men’s final of the Australian Open.

While Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev battled for the Norman Brooks Challenge Cup, 14-year-old Ballarat Grammar student Oliver Pittard was also in action on centre court.

The three-time AO ‘ball kid’ was selected to be involved in the ultimate men’s match two days prior, following a strong performance in the quarter final.

“My squad of six were the second shift. We came on when it was 5-4 in the third set. I was also on there for match point, so it was extraordinarily loud, and a great experience,” he said.

“The crowd was absolutely electric. We did five shifts all together of 45 minutes. I was lucky enough to be on there for the 40-shot rally that happened, and the crowd was very into it.

“To see Rafa come back, the determination that he had, and the atmosphere, it was like we were witnessing history. It was very cool.”

Oliver was also involved in the recent AO qualifying tournament, but his first-ever ball kid experience with the Australian grand slam was in 2020, having spent many months in 2019 both trying out for the squad and practicing with the selected group.

Rolling, servicing, non-verbal communication and body language, court movement and match play are all major areas of focus for a ball kid in training.

Oliver first got into playing tennis at age seven, and currently trains at the Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre. A “very sporty person,” he enjoys both the active and social side of tennis.

“I love the speed at which the game can be played at, and I love watching high-level tennis being played by athletes including Alex de Minaur, Ash Barty and Serena Williams,” he said.

“It’s just great fun.”

He encourages people with a passion for tennis who will be between the age of 12 and 15 at the time of next year’s AO to try out as a ball kid.

“I recommend kids do it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The friends and memories you make will stay with me for a long time, and it’s an absolute honour and a privilege to be there witnessing history,” he said.