Pierce Widdecombe, 13, has made it through to the final selection stage of the Barclays Ball Kids competition for the ATP World Tour Finals at London's O2 in November.
Pierce took a step closer to being one of 30 boys and girls who will be courtside to the world's top 8 tennis stars including Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal after impressing selectors in the regional round. Held at the Devonshire Health and Racquets Club, more than 50 hopefuls were tested on athleticism, agility and ball skills.
The national trial, which takes place in April, will see 100 youngsters from around the country put through their paces by three-time Wimbledon champion, Boris Becker.
"I'd love to be a Barclays Ball Kid because it would be great to meet the players and get some experience of being on court watching them," said Pierce. "I love playing tennis anyway so it would be really exciting. I found out about the Barclays Ball Kids scheme through one of my teachers at school so I went online and signed up straight away.
"In the regional trial we were learning ball skills, coordination and running skills but I think the coaches were also looking for people who can really focus, be sociable and have really good teamwork skills. If I was put through to the final squad of 30 it would be absolutely amazing. A dream come true."
