It is undoubtedly the most prestigious of all the world tennis tournaments, Roland Garros begins this Sunday, May 30. In addition to the stars of this sport, it is above all two young people from Côte-d’Oriens that we will follow in this international tournament. Quentin Kenderian and Antoine Riffaut, are both licensed at Beaune Tennis Club. They are part of the official selection of 280 bale collectors.
A long journey to be selected as a ball collector at Roland Garros
To participate in the Roland Garros international tournament, even for ball collectors, the selection is tough. They are 4,000 at the start for less than 300 selected for the start of the tournament and as the competition progresses, the organization keeps only the best. For the last week, they are only 16. Registrations are made one year in advance on the website of the French Tennis Federation. Must have between 12 and 16 years old, be licensed in a club and then spend eliminatory rounds.
“You have to be in good physical shape, have the right gestures and listen well to what to do, and normally, you are a good collector” explains Antoine. He also finds this role nice because “you are always on a field and in a big tournament” he insists. On the other hand, it’s not just a piece of fun because every day, ball collectors are noted and at the end of the second week, some leave the tournament. There is no question of putting pressure on yourself, or not too much. Antoine is super happy to be at Roland Garros, and even if his dream is to participate in the final, and to rub shoulders with Roger Federer, he starts this tournament with philosophy.
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What does Antoine’s dad think of it?
Benoît, Antoine’s dad is obviously proud that his son is participating in the Roland Garros tournament, but he is above all very happy for him that he can live a moment like this. “It’s something he will remember all his life, that’s obvious” explains the vice president of the Beaune Tennis Club. “He was really waiting to be old enough to apply and take the tests. It is still one of the grand slam tournaments and THE legendary French tournament. This will allow him to be closer to the players in the middle of a match. ! “ enthuses Benoît, while specifying that it was Antoine who had wanted to participate in Roland Garros for a long time, and not he who pushed him to do so.
What rules are imposed for ball collectors due to the health crisis?
Young Antoine explains that the rules are a bit complicated this year because of the Covid-19. You have to put on the masks to go pick up the balls, put on gel each time you enter the field and each exit. It is also necessary to keep the distances in the stands and for meals, it is one per table. But for Antoine, all that doesn’t bother him because, as he says, “as long as I’m at Roland!”
