By Tina Edward Gunawardhana 

Fourteen-year-old Kai Flambert recently spent two unforgettable weeks as a ball boy at Wimbledon, standing just metres away from some of the world’s best players. A lifelong tennis fan, Kai leapt at the chance when his school held trials, competing with 160 others and training for months before making the final cut. Selected as a Centre, he mastered rules, positioning, fitness, and discipline, working 10–12-hour days in the heat while staying laser‑focused. Teamwork was key, and the experience taught him resilience and ambition. “It’s a huge stepping stone,” Kai says. “I’ve learned I can reach for bigger things—and I will.”

1. What inspired you to apply to become a ball boy at Wimbledon? Was it a love for tennis, the excitement of being close to the action, or something else?
I’ve loved tennis since I was a kid. When I saw the opportunity, I didn’t think twice.

2. Can you walk me through the application process to become a ball boy? How competitive was it, and what did you have to do to get selected?
We had internal school trials where 160 of us applied and trained for four months. Ultimately, eight from my school joined others from over 40 schools, and then the group was gradually thinned down to just over 200 over a further four months. In addition, some people from the last two years were invited back.

3. What kind of training did you receive once you were accepted? How long was it, and what skills did you have to master?

• Knowledge-based: learning the rules and on‑court positioning.
• Fitness-based: reaching a minimum fitness level. We need to be quick and disciplined.
• Skill-based: tied in with knowledge and specific to a position. I was a Centre, so I trained specifically for that role, while others trained for the Base. Each game has two at the Centre and four at the Base—six in total. We are rotated every 45 minutes and are on duty from 9:30 a.m. until around 8:00 p.m.

4. What qualities or attributes do you think are most important for a good ball boy? For example, speed, concentration, teamwork?

1. Discipline – you have to stick to the rules and manage long days. You must be well‑presented at all times.

2. Fitness and teamwork – we go out as a team; if one person is sick or can’t perform, then the whole team is stood down.

5. How does it feel to be on court with some of the best players?
It’s an odd feeling, especially as you can’t actually watch the tennis. You have to focus and do your role. You can’t get distracted, and you can’t talk to anyone. We can’t watch the game; we’re always getting ready for our next move.

6. What has been the biggest challenge for you as a ball boy during the tournament? Is it the pressure, the heat, staying focused for long periods?
Staying focused for long periods, and doing that all day over two weeks. We had one rest day in 14 days. Not getting distracted by the crowds, especially friends, was tough. It was hot, but I’m part Sri Lankan, so I’m used to that.

7. How do you and others support each other?
We work as a team, as we can’t all run after the same ball. We have to rebalance regularly. That’s why they keep us as a team throughout. During our rest time, we chat and hang out together. You get to know each other well after all the training and two weeks of being together 10–12 hours a day.

8. What does it mean to you, being a ball boy at Wimbledon?
This has been a huge stepping stone. I’ve learned a lot. It has reminded me that I can reach for bigger things. Yes, it was great, but I’m not settling for just this.

9. Has this experience changed your perspective on tennis or your own goals for the future? Has it inspired you to pursue tennis more seriously, or maybe a different path in sports?
I’ve played tennis for many years, but this experience has ruined my ability to just sit and enjoy—I’m now a ball boy/girl critic! Tennis isn’t my primary sport; I play more football and rugby. I love sport. Yes, I want to do well in everything I do.