By Charlie Talbot-Smith
Sutton's Stephanie Corbyn 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 12-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 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.
Corbyn 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 a really good experience but challenging as there was a lot of pressure to be good at all the drills and to be as accurate as possible,” said Corbyn – who attends Sutton High School.
“It would mean so much to me to be one of the 30 picked as I have seen my sister do it and she didn’t stop talking about it.
“There is no better way to meet the top players of the world and I also think my tennis skills would improve if I watch professional players in games.”
Corbyn was joined at the National Trials by fellow Sutton youngster and Nonsuch High School for Girls pupil Avni Patel who has vowed to remain upbeat should she miss out.
“It is good to go in confident but you have to be resilient because if you don’t get in, you don’t get in,” said Patel.
“It would be a dream come true.
Mixing with the stars: Sutton's Anvi Patel with three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker
“Tennis is such a big part of my life; I have grown up around it and always watch it. You are in such close proximity when you are being a ball girl and that is what I like.
“I did it at Queen’s Club before. It was a great experience to ball girl for some of the best players and you get a lot of pride and it is a great honour.”
For more information about the Barclays Ball Kids programme, go to barclaysballkids.com or visit the Barclays Ball Kids Facebook page
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