It was a case of double trouble at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on Monday where 600 eager children took on Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships number doubles two seeds Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau.
The children — all from local schools — met the players as part of the ATP Kids’ Day, an annual chance for UAE kids of all skill levels to learn from the pros, and hopefully discover a lifelong love of the game.
Dutchman Rojer said the clinic activity is “very important”.
“I like it when the tournament organises these things, it’s nice, we enjoy doing it,” said Rojer. “It’s important for the kids to be exposed to seeing some pros and meeting them. It helps their development and confidence, I remember when I was younger meeting players, it really motivates you and inspires you. We had a lot of fun, there were a lot of kids, and I really enjoyed playing with them today.”
Many of the young participants were trying tennis for the first time at the clinic, run with the local Clark Francis Tennis Academy.
Claire Rieck, 11, of Wellington International School was delighted to participate, saying “I really enjoyed today, my favourite part is seeing the professionals play, that’s great.”
Tecau, who on Tuesday played against Roger Federer and Michael Lammer in a doubles match added “It’s nice to break away from our daily routine and practice to come out and play with the kids who are enjoying it so much.
“I was impressed with how many kids showed up. It reminds you of how you were at that age and how exciting it was for you to play with some professionals, I’m sure that out of those kids some of them will have the talent to make it further. It was a great initiative by the tournament,” added the Romanian player.
The clinic is the perfect way to kick off week two at this year’s championships, said tournament director Salah Tahlak. “We are delighted with the turnout today, it is great to see so many kids on the court, and having so much fun.
“We hope that this day inspires these children to take up tennis and we hope to see them competing here someday.”
Don’t miss it!
Defending champion Roger Federer, world number one and Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic, Australian Open runner-up Andy Murray, and two time Dubai finalist Tomas Berdych are playing in this week’s ATP tournament, which concludes on Saturday. Tickets for the event are available from the Box Office at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, 9am-9pm daily.
