Melbourne Ball Kids Suffered The Most During Sweltering Heat

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 20th January 2014

Melbourne Ball Kids Suffered The Most During Sweltering Heat

epa04019970 A ball boy drink from a bottle during the first round match between Julian Reister of Germany and Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 14 January 2014. The tournament takes place in Melbourne from 13 to 26 January 2014. EPA/MAST IRHAM |

Editors Note: The conditions last week were insane. We are still shocked by the attitude of the powers that be in tennis in Australia. It was cruel and ridiculous. What other sport with so much activity and constant movement in matches that lasted upwards of 3 hours even for the women would have not been delayed ? Cancelled ? Re scheduled ? Where were the “water fans ” ? The fans used to cool off fans ? Why weren’t they on court for the players and the ball kids ? Where was common sense ?

During last week’s record heat wave at the Australian Open it was the ballboys and girls who suffered in silence with the conditions. While players on court had changeover, ice vests, cold towels, energy drinks and the services of physios and doctors in case of serious need, the Aussie kids aged 12 to 15 were only able to snatch a bit of shade and swig a drink at the baseline during brief moments between games in conditions which easily approached 50 Celsius.

Now, a move is building in some quarters to start paying the teenagers for their services just like any other employee at the profits-rich tennis spectacular. Conditions were so hot at times that a court actually buckled. At the height of the five-day spell, ballboy shifts on court were reduced from an hour to 45 minutes.

One noted Melbourne social worker said that making kids work in those conditions was the same as leaving babies in parked cars on hot days.

While they don’t get paid, ballkids work eight-hours a day on shifts, with a food and drink allowance and free kit.

US Open ballboys have been paid for years for their efforts.

Topics: 10sballs.com, Australian Open, ballboy, Melbourne, Tennis, Tennis News, US Open