Surf Coast trio roll into Australian Open action

THREE local girls have landed their dream summer school holiday jobs, taking the courts as ballkids for this year’s Australian Open.

Alice Walsh, 14, Isla McKeag, 13, and Ali McKay, 13, are three of a record-breaking 435 ballkids to take part in this year’s tournament, and began work this week after months of training and preparation.

This year will be Walsh’s third Australian Open and McKeag’s second, while McKay will suit up for the first time.

All three expressed their excitement to be involved in the country’s biggest tennis event, particularly McKay in her maiden journey in the role.

“My mum and dad surprised me with the email from Tennis Australia,” she said. “It was nerve wrecking and exciting all at once.

“The supervisors were very helpful explaining the rules, new skills and concentration required.”

The path to working as ballkids began back in May last year, when the first trials were held.

Training ramped up in August. Walsh said there were intense drills and conditioning.

“Each training goes for around two hours and we spend half the time on court practising rolling, servicing, court movements, communication and match play, and the other half off court doing workshops.

“These workshops focused on mental health and wellbeing, strength and conditioning, and how to be prepared physically.”

McKeag and McKay both noted some tricky aspects of the role in a high-intensity environment.

“The hardest thing will definitely be the heat because the sun is so hot and it makes it extra hard to perform your best and especially concentrate,” McKeag said.

“The hardest part of the job is keeping track of scores because there are so many other things to think about as well,” McKay added.

For Walsh, the large crowds at matches can be quite daunting, but she has learnt to enjoy it with each year she has been involved.

“I used to get quite nervous in crowds. so I ignored them and told myself that they are not watching me which helped a lot,” she said.

“But now the crowds and atmosphere is what makes it fun, so it is honestly better when the crowd is super loud and involved.”

As for McKeag, the electric atmosphere is no issue.

“I actually really like the large crowds,” she said.

“I feel like it is more fun and I also often find that it helps me in a way.”

Ahead of her debut as a ballkid, McKay expressed her pride in being selected for the tournament.

“I’m proud to be one of only three ballkids from the Surf Coast at the Australian Open – when I think about it, it is a pretty big achievement,” she said.

“I am most excited about seeing the world’s best tennis players up close.”