The forthcoming Next Gen ATP Finals presented by NEOM in Jeddah has generated considerable excitement among young Saudi tennis enthusiasts, particularly the ballkids who are eagerly anticipating their involvement in this historic event. Scheduled to take place from 28th November to 2nd December, this tournament represents a significant milestone for tennis in Saudi Arabia. The team of 19 ballkids, ranging in age from 10 to 15, is diligently preparing to ensure the seamless execution of the event and to establish enduring memories.
Sulaiman Ashoor, a young ballboy, articulated his enthusiasm, remarking, “I engage in tennis activities five or six times per week, which also includes ballboy training a few times each week. I previously had the opportunity to witness live tennis at a tournament in Riyadh, where I had the pleasure of observing Stan Wawrinka and Dominic Thiem. It was an immensely enjoyable experience. I find great satisfaction in observing the players in close proximity, as it instills in me the belief that I too can achieve their level of skill.” Sulaiman’s sister, Tala Ashoor, who is among the six ballgirls on the team, shares her brother’s anticipation. She noted, “I am genuinely excited; this marks my inaugural experience as a ballkid, albeit I admit to feeling a degree of nervousness as well. The training sessions have been quite rigorous, but they have undoubtedly been enjoyable. My friends and family have expressed their intention to attend and support me when I am on court.”
Tala Ashoor, an aspiring tennis player, expressed her admiration for Ons Jabeur as her preferred player, and additionally mentioned, “I am primarily engaged in tennis, although I also possess an affinity for table tennis.” Similarly, Abdulaziz Aloqibi, aged ten, is eager to spend time on the indoor hard court and harbours hope of encountering renowned tennis luminaries. He shared, “This event has stirred within me a profound sense of excitement, as my ultimate aspiration is to become a professional tennis player. I ardently yearn for the opportunity to engage personally with established tennis players. It is my fervent desire to gain insight into the experience of being on the court and to comprehend the sensation of performing in front of a large audience. I devote myself to tennis six days a week, for approximately two hours each day. My favourite player in the upcoming event is unequivocally Dominic Stricker; I hold him in high regard. Among the players in the ATP Tour, I particularly admire Novak Djokovic.”
Fares Ayman, another member of the ballkids team, conveyed a sense of nervously excited anticipation for the prospect of observing top-tier professional players competing in close vicinity. He articulated, “I am genuinely thrilled by the imminent event, as it represents a one-of-a-kind experience for me. The notion of being present on the court while world-class players are engaged in competition is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Prior to this, my exposure to tennis had primarily been through television broadcasts, thereby intensifying my sense of nervous anticipation. I dedicate approximately six days a week to my tennis practice, a routine upheld for the past two years. I hold Rafael Nadal in high esteem due to his left-handedness, a shared trait, and his tenacity on the court.”
In summation, the forthcoming Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah has not only brought world-class tennis to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but has also ignited a sense of aspiration and excitement among the young ballkids. They eagerly anticipate the opportunity to be part of history, thereby engendering memories that will undoubtedly serve as a wellspring of inspiration in their personal tennis odysseys.