KILMORE teenager Travis Wilkie will mix it with the world’s best tennis players when he takes centre stage as an MLC Ballkid at the 2010 Australian Open.
Travis will join more than 300 kids from around Australia and the Asia Pacific region who will assist in the tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, which began yesterday.
Travis was chosen from thousands of applicants, with the selection process including practice sessions late last year, when applicants were tested for fitness, ball skills, and their attitude towards the important role they will play during the Open.The 13-year-old, who is preparing to begin secondary school at Assumption College later this month, is no stranger to the big stage, having worked at the Open last year.
A keen all-round sportsman, Travis said his love of tennis and his great experience at the Open last year were his inspiration for applying to become a ballkid again.
He attended an induction day last week, before assisting with the tournament’s qualifying rounds.
In what is set to be a jam-packed fortnight of tennis, Travis said he was looking forward to seeing his idol, Frenchman Gael Monfils, in action.
“Gael is my favourite tennis player because he is awesome and funny and I’d love to one day get on centre court and ballkid for Rodger Federer,” Travis said.
Apart from tennis, Travis likes going camping and hanging out with his friends.
MLC’s Christina Walker said that although being a ballkid was a demanding role, it is an experience of a lifetime.
“MLC Ballkids watch the world’s best players in action, learn new skills, and make new friends, while enjoying the lifestyle and health benefits of tennis.”
The Australian Open runs until Sunday, January 31.
