Up Close with the Stars
It's starting. My pulse races, as does the nervous tension. At the next changeover, we enter the court and relieve the previous shift. From the stands, the center court already looks impressive. Standing down in the spotlight of the stars, everything feels significantly larger, louder, and more electrifying.
We line up in the planned formation. Any remaining uncertainties or ambiguities are cleared up. There's no turning back now. In our practiced formation, we run onto the court with Zverev leading 3:2.
Today, I get to occupy one of the two net positions. While I don't have to throw balls to the players when they come to serve or bring them sweaty towels, I have to pay even more attention to other aspects and am primarily required to run. And most importantly: don't get hit by yellow balls flying around at head height at over 200 km/h. Getting hit by them is anything but good for your health.
As agreed, I position myself at the intersection of the service line and the sideline, facing Alexander Zverev.
The players rise from the benches and enter their respective halves of the court. The announcer once again creates an atmosphere, while I make my first sprint to the "cushion" lying on the ground, on which we have to kneel. On TV, they seem more comfortable than they actually are.
The first points are played, the first sprints along the net are completed. In the center of the court, my colleague and I at the net have the task of keeping an eye on all six balls on the court and distributing or rolling them to the correct positions.
Precision and speed are required. However, as soon as the players are ready to serve, I am not allowed to move. Even a small movement could disturb the concentration of the tennis stars. The contrast between full-speed sprinting between rallies and physical stillness during the rally is also a physical challenge.
Breathtaking Tennis - Literally
At 4:3, the next stress test. After a total of seven games played, all balls are exchanged and replaced with new ones. On TV, you wouldn't believe it, but when you hold the tennis balls in your own hand, there's a world of difference between game one and game seven.
While the players make themselves comfortable on the benches, the stress continues for us. All six balls on the court must be collected in a few seconds and brought to the umpire's assistant. The brand-new felt balls are placed on the ground and immediately rolled by us at full sprint to the side where the next serve will take place.
Done – catch my breath! Quickly back to the position at the service line, stand at attention, eyes on the player! Finally, a few seconds to catch my breath. In the previous game, many balls ended up in the net, I had to do several sprints and finally, with my colleagues, exchanged the balls at a rapid pace.
It Doesn't Get Closer Than This
Celebrated too soon! Suddenly, the future world number one waves at me and asks me to come to him. Literally, I am now up close and personal with the currently best player in the world. The "starstruck moment" intensifies as he holds out his racket to me and gives the command: "Can you please take this to my team!"
There's no time to marvel; the instruction is clear: bring the player's sacred possession to the coach's box. Again, a full sprint across the entire court, with the thought of absolutely not stumbling now. Otherwise, I'll go viral as a "ball kid" (a bit old for a kid) who drops Zverev's racket while holding it – not in a good way – not the fame I wish for!
The racket was delivered; everything went well. Behind my back, however, Zverev and Griekspoor are already preparing to start the next game. In the hoped-for breathing break, I virtually kept running. Quickly to the catching net and immediately back to squatting on the knee cushion. Although my body is throbbing and my lungs are craving air, I must remain still in my position.
After a series of thrilling games, my ballcrew colleagues are relieved by the next shift. We leave the court in formation again, grab our accreditations, and waddle with tired thighs towards the locker room. Now I have time until the next changeover takes place and we are allowed back on the center court. Enough time to fully recharge the batteries.
And what's the appeal of all this stressful running around?
When you tell friends and acquaintances about the job, or the honor, of being part of the spark7Ballcrew, you sometimes get smiled at, as often wrong impressions are created. "You're just picking up balls," "it can't be that strenuous."
The reality, however, is different. The combination of sustained, high concentration, constant attention, and physical exertion makes this task a challenge. However, it's a challenge that's incredibly fun, precisely because the mental and physical tasks have to be linked.
The fact that you get up close with the tennis stars and feel the atmosphere of thousands of people in the hall is unique and incomparable. We'll see if I'm back next year. At 25 years old and after a total of 13 years of service at Stadthalle tournaments, one is quite old for a "ball kid" (but not yet the oldest).
At the latest, when the call comes again to sign up for the spark7Ballcrew-Challenge and participate in the selection process, the thrill will grow, thoughts of a sold-out Stadthalle will emerge, and the longing will increase to be part of this unique team again and to experience another tournament week at Austria's biggest tennis festival.
Erste Bank Open Final: Carlos Alcaraz - Alex de Minaur, Sunday, from 2:00 PM in the LIVE ticker >>>
