The Subsequent Gen ATP Finals introduced by NEOM‘s arrival in Jeddah is about to encourage a era of younger Saudi tennis fans — and never least those that will likely be simply metres from the motion subsequent week at King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis.

The primary ATP-sanctioned occasion ever to be held in Saudi Arabia will happen from 28 November-2 December. It will likely be a historic second for tennis within the Gulf nation and guarantees to be a very memorable one for the 19-strong group of ballkids, aged between 10 and 15, who will likely be readily available to assist make sure the occasion runs easily.

“I’m actually excited. I play tennis 5 – 6 occasions every week, so I had ballboy coaching a few occasions every week too,” ballboy Sulaiman Ashoor instructed ATPTour.com on Saturday in Jeddah. “I’ve seen dwell tennis earlier than at a match in Riyadh. I noticed Stan Wawrinka and Dominic Thiem. It was actually enjoyable. I like seeing the gamers up shut as a result of if they’ll do it, it means I can do it.”

Sulaiman’s sister Tala Ashoor is considered one of six ballgirls on the group. A eager tennis fan and participant like her brother, Tala is able to relish the expertise of being on court docket with a few of the world’s greatest younger skilled gamers.

“I’m actually excited, it’s my first time being a ballkid, however I’m additionally nervous,” stated Tala, who was requested to participate in coaching for the occasion through her tennis coach. “The coaching was rather a lot, but it surely’s enjoyable. My family and friends will come to look at when I’m on court docket.”

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_{^{Tala Ashoor is among the ballkids in Jeddah. Picture Credit score: Peter Staples/ATP Tour}}

Like her brother Sulaiman, Tala enjoys enjoying tennis and different sports activities in her spare time and notably appears to be like as much as a trailblazer of the Arab sporting world.

“I play tennis six occasions every week and my favorite participant is (Tunisian WTA star) Ons Jabeur,” stated Tala. “I play tennis primarily, however I additionally like ping-pong.”

Ten-year-old Abdulaziz Aloqibi is hoping that spending time underneath the lights on the indoor laborious court docket in King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis will likely be a small stepping stone on his personal path to a future in skilled tennis.

“I’m excited as a result of my dream is to change into a tennis participant and I actually need to meet tennis gamers,” stated Abdulaziz. “After I develop up, I need to know what it’s wish to be on the court docket and the way it feels to be in entrance of 1000’s.

“I play tennis six days every week, for 2 hours. My favorite participant right here is certainly Dominic Stricker, I actually like him. On the ATP Tour I additionally like Novak Djokovic.”

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_{^{A ballkid on the 2023 Subsequent Gen ATP Finals introduced by NEOM. Picture Credit score: Peter Staples/ATP Tour}}

No matter what their future holds, the ballkids standing on court docket this week could have a novel alternative to witness top-level execs competing in opposition to one another at shut distance.

“I’m actually enthusiastic about this as a result of it’s a first-time expertise,” stated Fares Ayman. “To be on a court docket the place gamers are enjoying. I’m actually excited but it surely’s making me nervous on the identical time. I solely noticed tennis on TV earlier than, in order that’s making me extra nervous.

“I play possibly six days every week and have completed for the previous two years. I like Rafael Nadal as a result of he’s left-handed like me, and a fighter. He doesn’t go away any ball.”