Two Brimbank teens are hitting the courts at the Australian Open.
Aslesha, 13, and Valentina, 15, are part of the open’s crew of ball kids for the second year in a row.
Aslesha, who plays tennis at Keilor Downs said being a ball kid meant she got to watch famous tennis players in action up close.
“This is my second time doing it, I really enjoyed it last year,“ she said.
“I was overwhelmed at first in the selection process. There were two trials I had to pass.
“The hardest thing about it was having to learn everything for it and going through those two trials, but the best thing about it is how fun it is to play in the arenas in front of the crowds.
Aslesha has been playing tennis for five years.
“I really like tennis a lot, and did at one point want to become a professional tennis player, “ she said.
“The tennis player I would most like to assist on the court would be Rafael Nadal.“
Valentina said the most challenging part of being a ball kids is trying to stay still when there are tennis balls flying at you.
“The best part of it for me is the ball kids lounge, you get to hang out with other kids taking part there and relax,“ she said.
“I have played tennis since I was six – it is something me and my dad really bonded over. Being a tennis player and hopefully making it to play at the Australian Open myself some day would be a dream come true.“
Jordan Doherty
