Amelia Coltman to be ball-girl at Barclays ATP World Tour Finals

Friday, November 26, 2010

Melton Mowbray's Amelia Coltman is looking forward to rubbing shoulders with tennis superstars Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

After winning a nationwide competition, Coltman will be one of the 30 Barclays Ball Kids on court at the O2 Arena, in London, which is currently ongoing.

The 14-year-old beat off competition from 1,600 children nationwide to win her spot as a tournament ball-girl and will now share the small screen with the world's top eight players as they collide in tennis's season finale.

After honing her skills at a week-long training camp in Southampton during half-term, Coltman admits she cannot wait for her moment in the spotlight.

"I went to a regional trial in Cambridge and got through that and then I had to go to the London national trials," said Coltman, a De Lisle Catholic Science College pupil.

"They were tough, but I was really happy when I found out I had got through and I have been really looking forward to it for a while now – it is going to be a fantastic experience.

"I am most looking forward to seeing Roger Federer because he is a legend and has won Wimbledon a lot, so it will be great to be on court with him."

Each day, more than 20,000 spectators will see Coltman in action at the eight-day event, which sees the cream of world tennis go head-to-head for total prize money of nearly £3million.

Former British No.1 and Barclays Ball Kids ambassador Mark Petchey believes the experience will be a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for the Melton youngster.

"To be a Barclays Ball Kid at an event like the ATP World Tour Finals is a real privilege," said Petchey, a former coach of world No.5 Murray.

"I remember when I was younger I was a ball kid at Davis Cup ties and it was a fantastic experience and a huge help on my career.

"It gave me the opportunity to watch good players at the back of the court and at the net and I could really feel the pace of the game. It will certainly be an experience Amelia will never forget."

Click here for information on how to become a Barclays Ball Kid at the 2011 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

 
 

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