By Samuel Wakefield

BROMLEY’S Vicky Ward was put through her paces by former British number one tennis player Greg Rusedski as her bid to become a Barclays ball kid entered its final stage.

The 14-year-old Langley Park School for Girls pupil was one of 100 youngsters to be given expert tuition from Rusedski at the Barclays ball kids national trial at Westway Sports Centre in London.

Up for grabs is the prize of starring alongside Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the O2 as one of 30 ball kids for the ATP world tour finals in November.

Ward demonstrated her talent in front of Rusedski as well as Mark Petchey, the former coach of current British number one Andy Murray, who will also be in action at the ATP world tour finals.

And Ward, a member of the Parklangley Club, admitted it would be a dream come true to rub shoulders with the likes of Murray and his international rivals later this year.

“I tried out last year but didn’t get through the regionals so I am happy I made it to the national trial,” said Ward, who has beaten off competition from thousands of 12 to 16 year-olds to make it this far.

“My sister Georgie tried out this year too but she didn’t get through but she is two years younger than me so she has plenty of time.

“My favourite player is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and it would be amazing if I was on the same court as him – so special.”

The nationwide Barclays ball kids search began in January with Ward being joined at the Westway Sports Centre by Lucy Sands, from Beckenham.

And Rusedski, who along with Petchey will select the lucky winners, believes Ward and 13-year-old Sands will be in for a treat they will never forget should they reach the O2.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for these kids because if you love your tennis then you get to see the eight best players in the world and be on the same court as them,” said Rusedski, who reached number four in the world during his playing days.

“Right now we are going through a really magical era of tennis stars and to think that Vicky and Lucy could be alongside them is brilliant.

“We are narrowing it down to just 30, which is very difficult, but it does ensure we have the best of the best come November at the O2.”

For more information on becoming a Barclays ball kid at the Barclays ATP world tour finals in London in November, visit barclaysballkids.com

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