As the start of the Australian Open (February 8-21) and the end of the pre-tournament quarantine nears, we are learning more details on how the first Grand Slam of the season will be held in Melbourne in the face of the threat of the pandemic.
One of the details that was still to be known is what would happen to the ball boys in the tournament, a mystery that the specialized journalist Michal Samulski was in charge of clearing up.
As Samulski points out, there will be record number of ball boys at the Australian Open, with a total of 380 between the ages of 12 and 17, instead of last year's 12-15 age range.
These ball boys must adapt to the current situation to avoid possible infections. The boys and girls will distribute the balls to the players and expect them to use hand sanitizer as much as possible.
Record 380 ball kids during this year @AustralianOpen Their range has expanded to 12-17 years (12-15 last year). Handle tennis balls as normal, will be encouraged to use hand sanitiser. No handle players' towels or drink bottles. Don’t have to wear masks.
– Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) January 27, 2021
The Australian Open ball boys will not have to wear face masks during matches but will not be allowed to take towels or bottles from the players, as happened in other Grand Slam as the US Open last year. Australia continues to prepare for the first great tennis event in 2021.