did you see the video of hugging the ball kid at todays match?? 🥺 snow on the beach au where sandro becomes a ball boy and is paired with either jannik or carlos and asks for a hug?
replayed the clip multiple times because it was just too cute!! 🥺 short scenario below ~
Rome, Italy.
It started as an idea. As as any decision often come into reality, this one was not different from any other. It was Jannik's older brother Mark's persistence that led them to this.
The organizers for the Italian-most commonly known as-Rome Masters had announced that it was getting young children who considers tennis their hobby to be ball kids. Children who plays recreationally. Not yet the ones in futures, just little children, really.
"You know," Mark cleared his throat before launching his proposal. "it's a perfect opportunity for Sandro to watch tennis live.." he reasoned out.
Jannik stared at his brother. "No," he replied, as if Mark is suggesting a very ridiculous offer.
"Come on, Jan.." the older leaned back. "Mama, Papa, and I will be there." Mark argued.
He's definitely not giving up.
"It's going to be crowded."
"Tournaments are usually.." Mark replied.
Sandro has not been to a tournament yet as an audience, with the crowd.
At just six years old, Sandro would always be at the hotel room when Jannik is in practice or when he has a match.
The kid's existence is still hidden from the public.
"The people will recognize his features." Jannik pointed out.
"Jan, he's a ball kid.." Mark deadpanned. "Nobody goes around searching for the children's names.."
Mark snorted, watching his brother pick on his food. "Babies look all the same.."
Jannik sighed. Mark knows he's winning this.
"Look at him." Mark points to Sandro who is at the living room, watching a replay of an Indian Wells match between Flavio and Jack.
"He will be happy to see the players and matches live.."
That made Jannik follow his son's movement. Sandro is even celebrating like he personally scored Jack's point.
His son is grinning so wide, clapping as the screen plays a slower clip of that shot.
Pain tugged his chest.
Sandro loves tennis but he can only watch it from the hotel room despite having a star player father.
Mark softened at the silence.
"You can't hide him forever, Jan."
"I'm not hiding him."
Mark didn't answer. They both know the truth.
"You can't deny him the places he'd eventually find himself in years later." Mark added. "You know he's always going to be part of that world."
From the living room, Sandro is arguing with the television screen.
"...Fine. But not too much work." Jannik said, massaging his forehead. "He's literally six. Tiny."
Mark laughed. "He's tiny but he'll argue with the chair umpire."
--
Campo Centrale is huge than it is on the television screen.
The organizers having praised Sandro's composure had decided that the kid should be in the main court, even saying that the match between a top player and a promising wildcard is something Sandro would enjoy witnessing.
Now, Sandro stands at the entrance of the tunnel. Cap on his head, dark green uniform straightened, waiting for whoever the player he's assigned to.
The organizer didn't say anything. He just know it's a semi-finals and he had not bother asking about it.
After all, six years old won't really bother with it. Sandro, especially. He's just there to follow instructions and see tennis.
He exhales. His tiny hands on his side.
Footsteps approach.
"Okay, Sandro. Stand by." a staff smiled. "The other player will be stepping out first."
Sandro nodded. His tiny brain could only think that he's walking with someone who has a higher rank than the other player.
"Hey.." a voice said.
Sandro looked up to see Carlos Alcaraz beside him. Racquet bag over one shoulder. Another duffel bag on the other.
"Hi, sir.."
Carlos raised his eyebrow, "Do I look old?" he joked which made Sandro shake his head immediately.
"Just showing my respect.."
The crowd roars as the announcer started introducing the player.
"Booked another semi finals run here in Rome.... Please welcome the world number 1, Carlos Alcaraz from Spain."
Sandro flinches a little with the cheers.
Carlos offers his hand for Sandro to hold. "You okay?" the Spaniard asked gently.
"Loud..." Sandro said. "But nice."
Carlos chuckled. "Yeah.."
They reach the bench. Sandro let go of the hand so Carlos can place his bags on the provided space.
He stays as the instructions say. Observing Carlos go through his usual routine in fixing his things at the side.
Sandro looks up at the tennis player who is arranging his towels now.
He's waiting for Carlos to speak, probably get a forgotten racquet from his team or realize that his pickled juice is missing.
None of these happened.
The player will be on court for the warm-up in a minute. Sandro will return to his spot and watch the game.
Clearly debating over asking a request from a top player and remaining in work mode (he's six for crying out loud.), Sandro summoned all strength in his tiny body to call Carlos.
"Can I get a hug?" he said in a small voice.
Carlos blinked and smiled. "Of course.. Come here." he leaned down and wrapped his arms gently around Sandro's shoulders.
Sandro goes still for a second, then Carlos patted Sandro's back.
"Thank you." Sandro said, exhaling like he's down a set.
Carlos grinned, adjusting his wristband.
"I think I would win."
Carlos won in two sets. A commanding victory.
6-2. 6-1.
Up in the stands, Jannik witnessed all of it unfold.
His son's first time at a tournament and meeting his other father, no less.
Years later, the same ball kid would be seeded in Rome and win a round in the very same court.
