I’d always wanted to be a ball kid because I thought it would be an amazing experience.

Imagine being the ball kid for Nadal and Federer and the other top players in the world. Last year I got to the National Trials and it was very challenging and very tiring – lots of competition.

I definitely felt more confident this year, though. I wasn’t as nervous as last year.

Last year I had no idea what kind of things we would be doing and, this year, I knew a bit more what to expect.

My uncle is Mark Petchey who is helping out with the Ball Kids programme but he didn’t give me any tips before I came for the trials!

If I made the final squad it would be fantastic. I’d be really excited but terrified at going out into a massive stadium like that with thousands of people watching!

by James Varda