Nearly 400 Try Out for U.S. Open Ballperson Positions

June 21, 2013 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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The world’s focus on the players during the Grand Slam events makes it easy to forget all of the strenuous, behind-the-scenes organization and preparation that takes place months, or even years, in advance of a major tennis event. With the 2013 U.S. Open looming in our midst, one of the things that needs to be taken care is who will be the ball-persons.

On June 20, approximately 400 participants ages 14 and over arrived at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center with hopes of becoming part of the world’s biggest tennis event, the U.S. Open. Only 80 spots were available, as candidates were judged on their running, throwing, catching and listening skills.

"It is really fun, and even if I don’t make it, I had a good time," said 16-year-old Rob.

After a greeting from Ballperson Director Tina Taps, the already-experienced ballpersons conducted a demonstration for the entrants where they showed the basic movements that would need to be mastered. The testing drills included throwing and catching down the line and crosscourt balls, as well as running the length of the net while retrieving rolling balls.

"I’ve been coming and trying out since I was 12," said 40-year-old Rob. "Tennis is very different now from how it was in the 80s, but I still come tryout every year."

This competitive process does not stop after this round of tryouts. There will be a second round of tryouts where the 100 chosen from this round will be reduced to around 50. After that, there are still the qualifying rounds of the 2013 U.S. Open where ballperson numbers will be further minimized.

"This is my first time trying out and I think my best advantage is my speed," said 16-year-old Sebastion.

The 2013 U.S. Open qualifying draw will be held Tuesday, Aug. 20 through Friday, Aug. 23. The 2013 U.S. Open Main Draw will be held Monday, Aug. 26 through Monday, Sept. 9.

 

 

 

 

 


 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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