Market Harborough’s Abby Amos will share a court with the likes of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray after being given the thumbs up by former British No.1 Greg Rusedski at the Barclays Ball Kids National Trial.
The 15-year-old Robert Smyth Academy pupil fought off competition from 99 other young hopefuls at Westway Sports Centre in London, winning a place as one of 30 ball kids to star at November’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at the O2.
Amos was tested on agility, endurance, ball skills, balance, speed and team work in the capital and clearly did enough to impress Rusedski and Murray’s former coach Mark Petchey.
And Amos, a member of Market Harborough Tennis Club, admitted she is now counting down the days until she gets to rub shoulders with the likes of Djokovic, Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
“I thought this would be really fun when I applied – and to top it off by going to the ATP is amazing,” said Amos – who beat competition from thousands of 12-16 year-olds to make the final 30.
“I’m so happy and to be able to see someone like Nadal up close playing is going to be fantastic. I think it is going to be a really great experience, which will stay with me for a long time.”
The nationwide Barclays Ball Kids search began in January with Amos qualifying from the West Midlands regional trial at the Billesley Indoor Tennis Centre in Birmingham.
And Rusedski, who along with Petchey selected the lucky winners, admitted Amos caught his eye the moment she walked through the door.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for these kids because if you love your tennis then you get to see the eight best players in the world and be on the same court as them,” said Rusedski, who reached No.4 in the world during his playing days.
“Right now we are going through a really magical era of tennis stars and to think that Abby will be alongside them is brilliant.
“Narrowing it down to just 30 was very difficult but it does ensure we have the best of the best come November at the O2 and Abby certainly is one of them.”
For more information on becoming a Barclays Ball Kid at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London in November, you can visit ww.barclaysballkids.com
© Sportsbeat 2012
Courtesy of the Leicester Mercury