Young SA tennis players train as ballkids for World Tennis Challenge

A GROUP of young SA tennis players will be sweating it out over the next month for a chance to take to the court during the Australian Open.

Kids on the ball for Aus Open shot

A GROUP of young SA tennis players will be sweating it out over the next month striving for a chance to take to the court with the sport's royalty at the Australian Open.

But these hopefuls will be aiming to retrieve balls by hand for the likes of Rafa Nadal and Serena Williams rather than swinging their racquets in anger at Melbourne Park.

Thirty-two children aged 12-17 were selected from more than 80 trialists in October to work as ballkids during next month's World Tennis Challenge at Memorial Drive.

Tennis SA community tennis officer Andrew Wilson said the program looked for young tennis players who had good hand-eye co-ordination, game understanding and concentration.

He said those chosen would work 45-minute shifts on court across the three nights of the WTC, rubbing shoulders with greats of the game such as Pat Cash, Mats Wilander and Martina Hingis.

"The kids get to see some world class players up close and get a better view than all the paying spectators," Wilson said.

"They get to see exactly how the players go about their business on the court."

As an extra incentive, the two best WTC ballkids will be chosen to attend the Australian Open to work during both the qualifying tournament and main draw.

"It's a fantastic opportunity," Wilson said.

"The ones that don't get overawed by the pressure and we think will be capable of going on to Rod Laver Arena when its packed out (will be selected)."

The ballkids have been practising in match situations during last month's Asia-Pacfic Tennis League while preparing physically and mentally for the expected high temperatures on court.

Wilson said most were hoping to get a slice of the action themselves, with French player Henri Leconte renowned for handing his racquet over to ballkids during matches.

"I think a lot of of them are keen to get chosen to do that - they're all quite decent tennis players."