Ball kid’s ace

GARION Rowe will be rubbing shoulders with the world’s best tennis players at the Australian Open next year.
The 14-year-old Cranbourne boy has been undertaking intensive training after he was chosen to be an MLC ball kid at the 2011 Australian Open.
It will be the second time Garion will line up as a ball kid, but he said it was still an honour to be chosen as one of 367 ball kids from thousands of applicants.
Garion, who attends Bentleigh Secondary College, has played tennis since he was six years old and trains at Beaumaris Tennis Club.
“I love tennis, so being a ball kid is just a part of the sport I love to be involved in,” he said.
“My favourite player is Roger Federer and I wanted to be a ball kid so that I can get as close to the top players as possible.”
MLC chief executive officer Steve Tucker said the ball kids were the unsung heroes of the Australian Open.
“They provide a constant and reliable presence on the court, keep everything moving and carry out their duties with a great deal of enthusiasm,” Mr Tucker said.
“We are delighted to support this young, dedicated group who share our values of performance and teamwork. We look forward to being with them every step of their exciting journey.”