Martinez picks ball kids for O2

 

Originally published on: 18/06/13 00:00

Martinez, who is the only Spaniard to have won the ladies’ singles title at The All England Club, watched on as more than 250 youngsters aged 12 to 16 took part in the inaugural Barclays Ball Kids Spanish Trial at the Ciudad de la Racqueta club in Madrid.

After the group was whittled down to 22, Martinez helped select 14-year-old Marta Nunez Bastante and Andrea Lopez Martin, 16, to step on court with the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in London later this year.

“It's a really exciting opportunity for these kids. To be with players like Nadal, [Roger] Federer, Djokovic, [Andy] Murray will be a dream come true for the two children who are chosen. Just thinking about what they'll get to do gives me goosebumps. They should be very proud.”

The Barclays Ball Kids programme is part of Barclays sponsorship of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and offers a unique opportunity for youngsters to gain a variety of life skills both on and off the court such as respect, reliability, determination, confidence and team work. The opportunity is open to all kids – regardless of their background or tennis ability.

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