A Chinese tennis ball girl takes part in a training session at the National Tennis Center in Beijing on January 2, 2025. Photo: Li Hao/GT

Six Chinese ball kids are set to depart for Melbourne, Australia, from Beijing to assist at the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event on the global tennis calendar, organizers announced Thursday.

The six young Chinese representatives, ages 12 to 15, were selected from a pool of over 200 ball kids who worked at the China Open from September to October 2024, said China Open Director Zhang Junhui on Thursday.

These young participants will begin their duties during the qualifying rounds of the tennis Grand Slam, which kick off on January 6.

The China Open, one of the flagship tennis events held in China, has sent 77 ball kids to serve Grand Slam events since the inception of the program in 2010.

Zhang told the Global Times that the ball kid exchange program was initially aimed at enhancing the China Open’s service capabilities, but noted that broader benefits for participating children were quickly noticed.  

“When we initially launched the program, our primary goal was to improve the service quality of the China Open. Collaboration with the Australian Open was aimed at enhancing the children’s skills and capabilities in providing tournament support,” Zhang told the Global Times.  

However, Zhang observed that the program has delivered far greater benefits as the collaboration between the China Open and the Australian Open has been ongoing for over a decade, with additional partnerships forged with the French Open. 

“We’ve seen clear signs of the children’s positive growth. Their exposure to high-stakes situations has helped them approach various challenges in life with poise and confidence,” he noted.  

Zhang emphasized the value of international exchanges in broadening the children’s horizons. 

“Interacting with ball kids from around the world allows them to experience the world, make new friends, and embrace cross-cultural integration. These overseas exchanges significantly enhance their understanding of the world and help them adapt to different cultural environments,” he said.  

Zhang emphasized that overseas exchanges are particularly valuable in helping children develop a better understanding of the world and fostering cross-cultural integration.

“We are committed to sustaining it long-term to support the development of young talent in Chinese tennis,” Zhang said.

Zhao Yanyi, a veteran ball kid with seven years of experience, shared his insights with younger peers preparing to represent China at the Australian Open at the send-off ceremony on Thursday. 

Reflecting on his journey, Zhao emphasized the importance of embracing new opportunities. “I encouraged them to fully immerse themselves in the experience, explore local culture, and aim to serve on larger courts with top-tier players – it really broadens their horizons,” he said.

Concluding the practice session at the National Tennis Center in Beijing on Thursday, Zhu Moxuan, one of the six Chinese ball kids, told the Global Times that he will also take the opportunity to introduce Chinese culture to others as the trip wraps up just days ahead of the Chinese New Year, which falls on January 29 this year.

“I practice calligraphy, so I’ll bring some small calligraphy works to share with other ball kids and help them understand a bit of our traditions,” he told the Global Times.

Representing China’s ball kids on an international stage brings great pride and responsibility, he said. 

“This is a chance to learn from others, improve myself, and become a better version of me,” Zhu said. “I’m looking forward to expanding my view there, meeting more people, and stepping onto the famed Rod ­Laver Arena.”

The main draw of the Australian Open is scheduled to take place from January 12 to 26. 

In the men’s singles competition, 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, defending champion Jannik Sinner, world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz and other top players will battle for the prestigious title. Chinese players Zhang Zhizhen and Shang Juncheng are also preparing to make their mark.

On the women’s side, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus is set to face tough competition from world No.1 Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff as well as Chinese star player Zheng Qinwen. Zheng, who became the first Asian Olympic gold medalist in women’s singles at the Paris Olympics, finished her previous Australian Open as the runner-up.