Ball kids share their 'dream' experience

Dubai - After all, not everybody gets a chance to speak to the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Ana Ivanovic and Simona Halep.

Adam, Enzo and Sudarshan are enjoying their every moment at the ongoing Dubai Tennis Championships.
After all, not everybody gets a chance to speak to the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Ana Ivanovic and Simona Halep.
Unless, of course, you are a ball kid like them.
"I have a very good experience. It's nice to be with the players. I get to know their shots on court and how they play them," said Adam during a quick chat with Khaleej Times on Tuesday.
"Since I play tennis, it's a good chance for me to learn from the players. They always say 'try your best and always think positive'.
"So it's a dream experience for me to be here," added Adam who studies in the Wellington International School.
For Adam's schoolmate Enzo, it's all about enjoying the great atmosphere in the tournament.
"My experience has been great as a ball kid. It brings all of us together. It's a great atmosphere. It's a great experience with the tennis players," he said.
"It's my second year as a ball kid in this tournament. My favourite players are Djokovic and Federer. Ivanovic is my favourite in women's tennis. I would love to meet her here this time," he smiled.
Their friend Sudarshan then explained the selection process for the ball kids in the two-week Dubai championships.
"About 300 kids come and apply. Out of that they select 120. They are the best 120. So once they are selected, they make 12 teams of 10 kids each," said Sudarshan who studies in the International School of Choueifat.
"Each team has the same amount of time in the Centre Court as well as the side courts."
It's the amazing Dubai crowd that inspires Sudarshan to do his best as a ball kid. "It's my second year as a ball kid. I love the atmosphere here. You can learn a lot from the players' styles, the way they play, how they get ready for the matches.
"Also, I just like the crowd as well in Dubai because the crowd makes you very motivated. Like if there is very less people then you don't feel as much doing the job.
"But when there is a big crowd, you know you have to be at your best all the time!"
Sudarshan's most memorable moment as a ball kid came last year. "I was a ball kid for the women's final last year. I got a chance to speak to Simona Halep and Karolina Pliskova.
"It was such a nice experience because I got to know how they prepare for big games.