A number of the world’s top players will be coming to the city to play some world-class tennis.

The week also serves as a chance for younger tennis fans to show their skill, as local ball kids prepared for the competitive week ahead.

The term “ball kids” refers to the younger attendants on the corners and sides of the tennis court that make sure players have sufficient tennis balls and that stray balls are kept off the court.

Ball kids coordinator for the Launceston International, Phoebe Davis, said the kids were very excited to be participating in the tournament.

“A few nerves but that’s always good,” she said.

“They’re just getting their uniforms today and they’re all pretty excited. 

“Hopefully this wind dies down a bit.”

Roughly 35 children, including 15-year-old Grace Robertson, will be attending to players during the course of the week.

“I’m honestly really excited this is my fourth year doing ball kids and it’s just a lot of fun,” Grace said.

“It’s just a lot of fun and I enjoy the company of everyone else and just getting involved and having heaps of fun.”

Grace said being a ball kid was great because she got to see a lot of famous tennis players.

“I just like being up close to the players and just watching great tennis, it’s amazing the people that come down here.”

The ball kids have had three training days leading up to the International, learning the key skills including rolling the ball accurately, servicing the player and being quick on their feet.

“We’re just running through our last training for the day, we’ll go for a bit of a walk around the centre just making sure that they’re all comfortable with where they’re going,” Ms Davis said.

Grace said it was her dream to one day play in the Launceston International one day.

Being a ball kid requires a bit of stamina, with kids staying on the court for 30-45 minute shifts at a time in crews of three to six kids. 

“It does get pretty hot out on court even if you’re in the shade or if you’re in the sun,” Grace said. 

“But it’s all fun and you just get past it.”

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