That Wimbeldon ball boys/girls are exploited and treat like shit

[Inkanta]

I don't think they should be expected to pass towels to players after each point and when the player wipes the sweat off his face and walks around the court, have to face the player and walk backwards, waiting to be thrown the sweat soaked towel, sometimes viscously at their face. One ball girl was in tears yesterday after being yelled after by Novak-Djokovic. Can't be right surely.

Not fussed about the sweaty towels

But every year I find myself cringing at the 'robot kids'.

It's like they've been whipped into submission

My friend's son has done this role at the Australian Open for the last few years. He absolutely loves it and is disappointed next year will be his last. I have no hesitation in putting DS forward for it in the future when he is old enough if he shows any interest.

The more I read mumsnet the more I think that it is some weird parallel universe.
Either that or there really are that many ridiculous hard of thinking people on the planet.

What complete and utter crap. Inkanta - have you ever actually met any children/teenagers? They are a lot less precious and far more robust than you seem to think and - believe me, having spent days with them on DofE expeditions - I can assure you that they wouldn't give a tiny rat's arse about a sweaty towel.

Time to post again, I see...

I was a ballgirl in 1972. Loved it. I was a tennis freak (still am) and lived locally. I'd met lots of really friendly, nice and interesting people. I certainly didn't regard myself as a slave. Oh, and yes we had to pass towels over. They're clean at the begining of the match, it's not a big deal and to be honest, we didn't even think about it.
Dd just pointed out that if it were a gig and your favourite band, you'd be running away with the towel!

Yes, I don't get the "Did you mean to be so rude?" response so beloved on MN. Surely as soon as the other person says "Yes", that's that?

I find it a bit odd - I wouldn't want to run round after someone with a soggy towel. It's a bit Oliver Twist-ish imo. But I am all fingers and thumbs and can think of nothing I'd be worse at than catching and throwing in front of massive audience.

We can't put kids in protective bubblewrap and stop them from experiencing life, irritating adults, dirt and muck.... and then bring them out at 18 and expect them to cope. They won't! How on earth do they cope with music festivals? It's far more manky going to V or Glasto than holding a towel for a top tennis player.

polar love them

Wow Dawn! I'm in awe, what an opportunity. Who did you ball for? incorrect phraseology illustrates I don't really know anything much!

Le BearPolar - I love Fascinating Aida & hadn't heard that one - you've made my morning.

Dawn - Please, please tell us more - wasn't Nastase in the semis that year? Bet he could be rude!

magimedi - I am a teacher so that song (along with their Ofsted one) is a particular favourite. Especially as I take Duke of Edinburgh expeditions - fortunately most parents aren't like the OP but positively relish the idea of their DC enduring a bit of hardship and hard work!

I would have laughed more of the girl had said 'no.....and that's a complete sentence!'

If I asked someone if they want to be rude and they replied 'yes' I would probably laugh and say 'fair enough, as long as we are on the same page'

Perhaps that British deference for the rich, the royals and the celebs would be a huge advantage.

Knowing one's place would be a definite advantage

I would be no good at that!

towel slave

That's made my day.

YABU

I was on the smaller courts, although the grounds were a lot smaller in those days, the Aorangi was a rugger club next door. I met Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Rosie Casels. I also met Ilie Nastase, and a few others. They were all lovely. Some of the players used to bring sweets and things for the ball boys/girls but I suspect it's all a bit stricter these days.

I'm more concerned that the ball kids are missing two weeks of school - in the current age of attendance fines!

Shhhh!
That will really send the OP over the edge!

It was the year that Stan Smith beat Nastase in the finals. I have to say that although Nastase could be a bit funny on court, off court he was a delight. One of the things I remember quite clearly was that he and Billie Jean King were both kind and generous.

i hate Fascinating AIda

all that trilling and Oh aren't we insightful raised eyebrow shite

I find it really uncomfortable to watch.

What an incredible experience to have had, Dawn - I am very

And, to add fuel to the fire;

"Come on, Andy!".

When I was a kid I would have killed to be a ball girl at Wimbledon!! I still would if they took slightly plump women approaching 40. I've always been a massive tennis fan, watching and playing.