Photo by Thomas Lovelock – AELTC
The Princess of Wales has taken to the tennis courts to see the work that goes into one of the most crucial roles at Wimbledon – that of ball boy and ball girl.
The Princess was joined by eight times Men’s Singles Champion, Roger Federer, on a training day with some of the dozens of young people who will carry out the duty this year.
Their experiences have been recorded in a film released on You Tube. It will also be shown on screens around Wimbledon throughout this year’s event.
Over 150 ball boys and girls – or BBGs – will be on court during this year’s Wimbledon Championships, which get under way on July 3rd 2023.
Ahead of the tournament, Catherine joined them as they honed their skills at the All England Club’s Community Tennis Centre in Raynes Park.
Along with Roger Federer, the Princess was given an overview of how the skills of retrieving the tennis balls and returning them to play quickly are perfected.
They also talk to some of those who will be BBGs at this year’s event about their experiences.
Around 1,000 young people, aged between 13 and 15, from local schools apply to be BBGs every year. They take part in training sessions with around 250 eventually chosen to take part in the Championships. Around 170 of those are new BBGs while the other 80 are teenagers who have taken part in the previous year’s event.
The Princess of Wales said ”Wimbledon is renowned for its amazingly professional Ball Boys and Ball Girls, the amount of work it takes, it’s incredible to see it behind the scenes… With all the discipline and everything you’ve learnt, you’ll be able to take it into so many other parts of your life, things like confidence and that feeling of pride with being on any of the courts is such a big moment.”
Roger Federer, who was once a ball boy in Switzerland, said ”This is proper practice, I’m really impressed at how much effort and training goes into being a ball kid during The Championships.”
Sarah Goldson, BBG manager for Wimbledon guided the Princess and the tennis star during their visit. She said ”We’re really proud of the young people who dedicate so much time and effort to their role which plays an integral part in delivering a successful Championships.”
The Princess of Wales and Roger Federer also took to the courts during their visit for a doubles rally.
The Princess became Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in 2017.