By JARROD POTTER
LAST year he held the flags for the men’s final – this year Erick Chacon wants to be an even greater part of the Australian Open action.
Chacon, 15, from Narre Warren South, has been selected as an Australian Open ballkid for a second year.
He developed his passion for the game at St Paul’s Apostle Tennis Club in Endeavour Hills and from there his love of the sport grew to encompass every aspect – not just playing but also being a part of the tennis community as a whole.
“Started in 2011 and I signed up for a local club – St Paul’s – was there for about three years and played competition then I decided because I was busy with school,” Chacon said.
“After I stopped playing I became a ballboy instead and this is my second year.”
He eventually had to give up playing to focus on his schoolwork, but his love of the sport transitioned into running after the balls and being an important part of the Open.
His highlights from his first run as a ballkid are cherished as he watched a number of greats and a few Australians take the court.
“Second year I’ve done it and my first match was (Grigor) Dimitrov and (Tomas) Berdych and I also was the ballkid for (Thanasi) Kokkinakis and (Sam) Groth,” Chacon said.
He wasn’t the ballkid for the finals but was still part of the ceremony as he held the flags – but that’s not where he wants to stand at this year’s final if he gets the chance.
“I was the flagbearer for all of the finals,” Chacon said.
“The men’s final … even though I like watching the men’s game better – the crowd was going crazy because (Novak) Djokovic won his fourth so the crowd was pretty good.
“I want to be the ballkid in the men’s final this year and we have this award where if you’re the best ballkid you get to go to France to Roland Garros so that’s what I’d like to do.”
Outside of his tennis, Chacon also loves his soccer and hopes to take his striking skills to a school team in the future.
He wanted to thank his parents and God for their support and helping him get his Australian Open opportunity.
