 are on hand at every match to retrieve balls from the court and supply new ones to serving players. 9 Alex Crockford was 15 when he first served as a ball boy Credit: Supplied 9 The personal trainer now runs his own fitness app Credit: Anthony Michael But, as former ball boy Alex Crockford reveals, before they get to stand on the hallowed turf of the All England Club , the elite 250-strong squad go through a rigorous selection process and a gruelling training programme to ensure they're at the top of their game. Speaking to The Sun, Alex explains how during Wimbledon fortnight the BBGs are constantly assessed, often being 'demoted' to lesser courts if they're not up to scratch. Sometimes the job requires standing still for hours in the blazing sun. Back in 2019, four collapsed and needed medical attention. For 33-year-old Alex, who served in 2005 and 2006, that feeling is all too familiar. 'Standing still for hours is one of the toughest parts of being a ball boy,' he says. 'It's quite strict and you don't want to let your team down or feel like you're doing a bad job. 'I remember one really hot day, I clearly hadn't fuelled or hydrated myself appropriately. "I did have a very faint moment, and started seeing blurry stars. 9 Alex (centre, back row) with his fellow BBGs in 2006 9 A ball boy had to be helped off court after collapsing in the heat in 2019 'There are six BBGs on the court and a captain, which was me, so I was standing to the left of the umpire chair and I was away from my water. 'I had to go outside of my position, get some water and re-balance myself before I could continue.' Tough selection The prestigious role of a BBG is only open to pupils at around 30 schools in south west London and Surrey. Thousands enter, with the pool of hopefuls whittled down){kind=link}
WHILE the likes of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have us glued to the action at Wimbledon, an army of unsung heroes are keeping the tournament ticking over.
The ball boys and girls (known as BBGs) are on hand at every match to retrieve balls from the court and supply new ones to serving players.
But, as former ball boy Alex Crockford reveals, before they get to stand on the hallowed turf of the All England Club, the elite 250-strong squad go through a rigorous selection process and a gruelling training programme to ensure they’re at the top of their game.
Speaking to The Sun, Alex explains how during Wimbledon fortnight the BBGs are constantly assessed, often being “demoted” to lesser courts if they’re not up to scratch.
Sometimes the job requires standing still for hours in the blazing sun. Back in 2019, four collapsed and needed medical attention.