By KATH GANNAWAY
HARRY Rothwell will have plenty to talk about after a return performance in the 2015 Australian Open.
The 15-year-old tennis enthusiast had a ball as a ballkid last year in the event, which attracts some of the world’s best tennis players.
Getting a second gig is a great accolade for Harry who has overcome some significant challenges in the past few years, including selective mutism, to participate in football and tennis.
Up until the age of 11 Harry didn’t speak to anyone but his parents Jo and Bryce.
Selective Mutism in children is a complex disorder characterised by an inability to speak in certain situations.
Harry says the disorder held him back when he was younger, but is proud of his achievement in overcoming it.
He has been playing tennis for seven years with Warburton Tennis Club and while he says he can’t see himself playing at elite level, he loves playing for fun with his friends, and has a few premiership flags under his belt.
While playing football had its challenges, the strategy he developed with team-mates has had benefits on court at the Australian Open.
“Being a ballkid requires lots of signals on the court, which I’m quite good at,” he said.
Harry said the experience last year, when he got the Girls’ Final and a match between Thomas Burdich and Kevin Anderson prompted him to apply again this year.
“You get really close to the players which was great and meeting a lot of new kids is a good experience,” he said.
Harry was chosen from more than 2500 hopefuls for the 380 strong squad that includes kids from around Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
They will be following in the footsteps of the likes of Roger Federer, Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt who were ballkids before they joined the professional ranks as players.
Australian Open Ballkid Squad manager Tania Hall said the role of the ballkids is vital.
“They provide quality service to international athletes and use their co-ordination, agility and balance to ensure the play runs effectively and smoothly,” she said.
Harry has been in training and says he is looking forward to getting on court.
His advice to others who would like to be ballkids – whatever their personal challenges – is to just go for it.
“Have a go and see where you get to,” he said.
“If you do get in, it’s a really good experience, and if you don’t, just try again.”
