TENNIS followers had been left baffled by the weird gear being utilized by ballkids on the Vienna Open.
Eagle-eyed viewers watching the motion on the ATP 500 occasion in Austria noticed the revolutionary piece of package.
Ballkids on the Vienna Open are utilizing racquets with nets to catch and gather tennis ballsCredit score: AFP
The ballkids are utilizing particular tennis racquets to gather and maintain the balls.
However fairly than a daily set of tight strings, these have been changed with a free web.
And it makes for an odd sight as the kids scamper throughout the court docket holding the frames – as if they’re able to get entangled within the motion.
It’s understood the Vienna Open organisers have deployed the personalized racquets for a couple of years – whereas some recommended the occasion in Stockholm additionally noticed ballkids undertake the novel method.
{A photograph} of Novak Djokovic in motion in Vienna in 2020 confirmed a ballkid in a facemask and holding the racquet.
Nevertheless it has nonetheless caught the eye of some supporters watching the motion this week from residence.
One fan stated: “The ballkids right here in Vienna have little web pouches on tennis rackets to catch the flyaway balls.
“Now I’m weirded out by regular rackets not having the pouches as a result of it’s so enjoyable to look at the ballkids catch the balls with that.”
One other wrote: “Love ballkids with rackets (safety) at tennis tourney in Vienna.”
A 3rd added: “All the time like seeing the ball youngsters in Vienna with their shrimping nets.”
A fourth typed: “I feel all ballkids in any respect tournaments ought to have nets for catching balls.”
And a remaining person commented: “Why do the ball boys at ATP Vienna have rackets lmao.”
US Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev is the highest seed on the Austrian event with Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans flying the flag for Nice Britain.
Nevertheless, Evans needed to withdraw main 4-1 within the first set in opposition to in style American Frances Tiafoe after struggling a horror calf damage that might finish his 2023 season early.
The gear has been used for a couple of yearsCredit score: EPA