Vietz bucking trend as Barclays Ball Kids gear up for O2

Posted: Tuesday 1st November 2011 | 12:28

JO-Wilfried Tsonga was able to toast taking one step closer to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals with victory at the Erste Bank Open at the weekend.

LUCKY 30: The 2011 Barclays Ball Kids line up outside the O2 ahead of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals

No doubt the first thing going through the Frenchman's mind was how victory in the final, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 against Argentinean Juan Martin del Potro, impacted on his participation in the tournament.

However while Tsonga was celebrating there was a bigger festivity going on in Berkshire for tennis-mad 13-year-old Elle Vietz.

Having fought off over 2,500 people from all over the country Vietz will be one of the 30 Barclays Ball Kids on court at the O2 later this month.

Vietz will spend the eight-day end-of-season tournament darting around the showpiece court in Greenwich tending to, she hopes, Tsonga and co.

And after spending her half-term being put through her paces at a training camp at the Hampshire Health & Racquets Club in Southampton last week, Vietz couldn't be more ready for events in the capital.

While the triumvirate of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray were the go-to men for 29 of the 30 ball kids when they listed the player they most wanted to share the court with, it was not so for Vietz.

"I would really like Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to qualify for the tournament so I get to see him," said Vietz. "That would make my year."

After their week-long training on the south coast Vietz and co now have less than three weeks to wait before events kick off at the O2.

And, while the 365 days of 2011 will be made for Vietz if she shares the court with Tsonga, for another youngster, Charlie Heaton, there is no danger of anyone dampening his excitement.

"Just to be near the players and get to hold their sweaty towels is going to be great," said Heaton. "It sounds disgusting but it's going to be a privilege."

Two differing expressions of their enthusiasm for the week at the O2 the pair might have offered but it's an anticipation that was shared by the whole group of 12-16 year olds.

Roll on November 20.

For more information on becoming a Barclays Ball Kid at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London visit www.barclaysballkids.com