Grand Slam: rolling instead of throwing: New rules for ball children at US Open

Rolling instead of throwing: At this year’s US Open (August 27 to September 9) in New York, ball children have to get used to new rules.

Next Tuesday, the USTA, the American Tennis Federation, invited to a big casting in New York. Who will be scrutinised from 4 p.m. local time? Anyone over the age of 14 who wants to apply for a job as a “ball child” at the upcoming US Open.

In contrast to the other three major events, there is no upper age limit. More than 100 of the approximately 275 positions are still to be filled for the final tournament of the 2018 Grand Slam season.

Where do the applicants have to go? To the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens Corona Park, where the fourth major of the year is also played.

And what do they expect when they pass the “Ball Person Test”? “Coolest summer job in sport.” At least that’s what the USTA promises in their invitation. Oh yes, casting is independent of the weather. Sun, rain, storm – no matter! In the Big Apple they are tough.

However, the “Ballpersonen” expects a drastic change this year. You must ROLL the felt balls during “transport” to your colleague and may no longer THROW. The US Open, the shrillest and loudest Grand Slam, loses a unique selling point. The other three majors in Melbourne, Paris and Wimbledon are already rolling without exception.

The reason for the change in the spectacle on the very large stage of Flushing Meadows: “We want to open up a larger pool of applicants. In the past, it happened that suitable people had decided not to take part because they were afraid of throwing. We hope these people will come back now,” said Stacey Allaster, USTA professional tennis manager.

The quality of the silent helpers is to increase successively. “With the help of this change, the ball children can focus more on speed, skill and mobility. These things, together with the whole Court overview, are important attributes for this job,” emphasized Tina Taps, the head of the “Ball Persons” at the US Open.