Hannah praised by ex-Wimbledon champ
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Hannah Campbell with Boris Becker.
AULDEARN’S Hannah Campbell was given a tennis masterclass from three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker as her bid to become a Barclays Ball Kid entered its final stage.
The 13-year-old Nairn Academy pupil was one of 130 youngsters to be given expert tuition from Becker at the Barclays Ball Kids National Trials at Westway Sports Centre in London.
Up for grabs for Campbell is the prize of joining Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and British number one Andy Murray at the O2 Arena as one of 30 ball kids for the ATP World Tour finals in November.
Campbell also demonstrated her talent in front of Murray’s former coach Mark Petchey and admitted it would be a dream come true to rub shoulders with the likes of Federer and Nadal.
"I had a really fun day meeting a tennis legend like Boris Becker," said Campbell, who beat off competition from 2500 other hopefuls to get this far.
"But it would be even more amazing if I got the chance to be a ball girl at the O2. The atmosphere there will be amazing and to see the players up close would be brilliant. I’m sure that I would be quite nervous to start with but after a while the excitement would take over and it would be amazing to be running around on television for all my friends and family to see."
The nationwide Barclays Ball Kids search began last November with Campbell — who plays tennis three times a week — qualifying from the Edinburgh regional trial.
And Becker, who along with Petchey will select the winners, believes the lucky 30 are in for a treat they will never forget if they reach the O2.
"It is a very tough to pick the final squad and it certainly isn’t easy for us because everybody is very good," said Becker.
"It isn’t just the physical ability you need to do the job but also the mental ability too because it is an amazing tournament and Hannah has made it this far because she has shown that.
"I have been very impressed with what I have seen and I couldn’t believe the standard last year but this year it seems even better, kids like Hannah have been amazing."
n For more information on becoming a Barclays Ball Kid at the Barclays ATP World Tour finals in London visit: www.barclaysballkids.com
