Locals Try to Make the Cut at U.S. Open Ballperson Tryouts

June 26, 2014 | By Michele Lehat
Photo credit: Calvin Rhoden

The U.S. Open is one of the most anticipated events in the New York area, serving as a mecca for all tennis fanatics worldwide. Without the help of close to 2,000 employees on the sidelines and behind the scenes, the Open would not run as smoothly as it does. From the chair umpires, to the line judges, to court attendants and ballboys and girls, every worker plays a crucial role in the overall success of the event.

The skies were a bit cloudy, but the weather held up perfectly for the Annual U.S. Open Ballperson Tryouts on June 19th as hundreds of young hopefuls sat anxiously in the stands of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, waiting to be called onto the courts to be evaluated. As U.S. Open Ballperson Director Tina Tapps stood in front of the crowd, warning them of possible hot weather conditions, and the importance of vigor and animation on the job, it was evident that the hundreds of teens were truly excited. Of course, this was understandable for performing a series of practice runs, catches and throws in front of the judges for their approval is always a bit intimidating.

Considering what goes into the selection process of becoming a ballperson, including good hand-eye coordination, perfect posture, faultless court etiquette, and of course, complete awareness of every point during a match, it’s only logical that there is a series of three rigorous tryout rounds. The first round involves a crew of evaluators, assessing throwing and running skills to determine the few make the cut and advance to the second round. Then, a small interview follows, as the hopefuls are asked various questions. When that carefully selected batch moves onward, a couple of training sessions follows as they become acquainted with the proper on-court routine. The final determination of becoming a U.S. Open ballperson is doing a good job during the qualification rounds.

Last year, nearly 600 hopefuls tried out for one of these coveted spots, and only around 200 made it. The tryouts were not to be taken lightly either, as those selected are eventually trusted to rub shoulders with some of the greatest athletes in the world, not to mention in front of enormous crowds.

I had a chance to chat with a few of those trying out to get their take on the overall experience …

►Esther Chikvashvili, who served as a ballperson for one year, but must go through another tryout round like all the other one-year ballpeople. When asked is she was nervous, she replied, “Not really, because I have the experience of being a ballgirl last year. It’s one of the most amazing experiences because we get to be really up close and personal with the professional tennis players we see on TV.”

►​Stephanie Chikvashvili, when asked of her assessment of the tryouts, “It was a little intimidating. I had to run a few times, pick up balls, and throw them back to the players. They asked me to stand straight with my arms behind my back. I really hope I make it.”

►​Alex Chu on the day’s events, “It was a great experience, and overall, I think I did pretty well.”

►​Darnell Forrester on his chances of making the cut, “Hopefully I’m a finalist this year. I think I did very well. I kind of knew what to expect and what they were looking for, so I think it went real well.”

►​Mark Gakin was a U.S. Open ballboy for 11 years and was on hand helping out with this year’s tryouts. When asked what keeps him coming back, Mark replied, “I’m in love with the atmosphere and tennis of course. It’s an unbelievable opportunity to work with players. It’s a good time … there are really a tight knit group.”

►​Maya Simone on her first trip to the U.S. Open Ballpersons tryouts, “This was my first year. The experience was fun, as my friend and I tried out together. When we had to run across the court to pick up the ball, I think I did well. I think I could of did better throwing the ball across the court.”

Credit all photos to Calvin Rhoden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Michele Lehat
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