Alex Chan shares centre stage with the stars
Sportsdesk • Published 15 Nov 2012 15:30
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ALEX Chan enjoyed a week to remember at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals as he shared the spotlight with world No.1 Novak Djokovic and US Open and Olympic champion Andy Murray.
Having won the nationwide Barclays Ball Kids competition, Chan shared the court at the O2 Arena with the cream of world tennis, including Roger Federer, Murray and Djokovic - the latter taking the title.
And after his week in the limelight the 13-year-old Langley Grammar School pupil - who saw off 2,500 other youngsters to get his 15 minutes of fame - admitted it had been an experience to savour.
"The week was really fun," said Chan - who appeared in front of more than 20,000 spectators a day at the London event.
"It was definitely better than I thought it was going to be because, even though it was an important job, it was still pretty relaxed and it was not as strict as I thought it was going to be.
"Day one, when you have to do a run on in front of the whole crowd, it is pretty nerve-racking but you grow into it and I was soon exciting about going on.
"I did trip over on court which was a bit embarrassing and one of the other ball boys was laughing at me but then he got smacked in the face with a second-serve ace so that was pretty funny.
"When you do a run on the whole crowd are clapping for you and that is a pretty good feeling too as it makes you feel special."
And 2008 Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who also shared the court with the Ball Kids during the competition at the O2 Arena, was quick to praise Chan for his contribution over the week.
"All the Barclays Ball Kids did great," said Tsonga. "I'm used to having some good ones in Roland Garros and in Paris Bercy so I think they're really good.
"I think the most important element for me was their attention because they need to be ready at all times to receive a ball, to give a ball, give a towel or something. The most important thing is concentration."
For more information on becoming a Barclays Ball Kid at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London visit www.barclaysballkids.com.
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