Youngsters wishing to play a key part in the 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open can now apply for the Ball Kids programme, where they will receive expert training before the best performers are selected to be part of the official Ball Kids team at the WTA500 event early next year.
The third edition of the all-female tennis tournament takes place at International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, from February 1-8, with former world number two, Ons Jabeur, already confirmed to be competing.
Now, young tennis fans harbouring aspirations of being involved in one of the Middle East’s major sporting events have the opportunity to share the court with the world’s best players and play an essential role in the operation of each match. The Ball Kids programme is open to boys and girls aged 12-17, who can apply by clicking here or visiting the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open website.
Ball Kids play a pivotal role in the smooth running of every tennis match, sending balls between each other to ensure players never have to break their concentration during a game.
Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director, Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, said: “We are delighted to implement the Ball Kids programme for the third consecutive year ahead of the 2025 tournament.This is a fantastic and exciting initiative for engaging the next generation of tennis enthusiasts who can earn a unique opportunity to play an important role in the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.
“Being a Ball Kid requires extreme focus, and our expert team of coaches leave no stone unturned in ensuring graduates are both capable and confident when they step out onto the court in Abu Dhabi with the world’s best players.”
The Ball Kids programme begins on November 17, before drawing to a close on January 26, with sessions taking place on Sundays, from 5-7pm, at ACTIVE Al Maryah. The full list of dates can be seen below:
- November: 17, 24
- December: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- January: 5, 12, 19, 26
Tickets for the event can be purchased now at www.mubadalaabudhabiopen.com. Subscribing will give tennis fans first choice of the best seats in the house. Children can attend the first five days of the tournament free of charge, while adult ticket prices start from AED 25, underlining the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open’s growing reputation as an event ‘for all’.
