By Charlie Talbot-Smith
New Malden’s Amelia Beltrao was given a tennis masterclass from three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker as her bid to become a Barclays Ball Kid entered its final stage.
The 15-year-old was one of 100 youngsters to be given expert tuition from Becker at the Barclays Ball Kids National Trials at the Riverside Health and Racquets Club in Northwood.
Up for grabs is the prize of starring alongside world number one Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer at the O2 as one of 30 Ball Kids for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in November.
Beltrao demonstrated her talent in front of Becker and Murray’s former coach Mark Petchey, and admitted it would be a dream come true to star at the O2 later this year.
“It was really good fun, it was tense because you are fighting to get into the top 30 but I really enjoyed it,” said Beltrao – who attends Sacred Heart High School in Hammersmith.
“Words can’t describe how good it would be to be one of the ball kids because it was a national competition and there was such a big turnout.
“I think being a ball girl at Wimbledon may give me an advantage because I am familiar with some of the drills.”
Beltrao was among a number of Kingston youngsters at the National Trials including Maddie Jackson, Petra Popovic, Megan Kapadia, Amy Bagster and Charlie Burrows.
And Bagster, who attends the Holy Cross School in New Malden, admitted even the National Trials will live long in her memory.
“It was tough but it is good fun and it encourages everyone to get together, become friends and get to know each other in a friendly environment,” she said.
Hopeful: Amy Bagster of New Malden with Mark Petchey
“I love tennis and the thrill of hitting the ball with a racquet. I am really excited to have the chance to meet professional players.
“It would be amazing and so thrilling if I got to the O2 and it is really indescribable.”
For more information about the Barclays Ball Kids programme, go to barclaysballkids.com or visit the Barclays Ball Kids Facebook page
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here