Sale student to rub shoulders with Andy Murray at ATP World Tour Finals (From Messenger Newspapers)

Sale student to rub shoulders with Andy Murray at ATP World Tour Finals

5:35pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News

SALE’S Prashant Duggal admits his chance to share a court with US Open and Olympic champion Andy Murray at the ATP World Tour Finals cannot come quick enough.

After winning a nationwide competition from 2,500 children across the country the 15-year-old will be one of 30 Barclays Ball Kids at the O2 Arena in London from November 5-12.

Duggal spent his half-term at The Hampshire Racquets & Health Club being put through his paces ready for the week in the spotlight in the capital. And while the Altrincham Grammar School pupil is expecting a tough week’s work at the O2, Duggal can’t wait to get acquainted with Murray and the rest of the world’s top players.

“The training was pretty tiring,” he said. “Our legs were aching but it was worth it, they want us to be at a high standard and that meant we had to train hard. “We will be on the same court as the best players in the world so it’s only right that we try and be the best that we can be.

“Everyone has gelled really well into a team, everyone’s really nice and we all get on well so it should be a really fun week at the O2.

“To be on the same court as a legend Roger Federer will just be amazing and Andy Murray of course who has really grown on me since the Olympics.”

Over 20,000 spectators a day will see Duggal in action at the eight-day season finale, which sees the cream of world tennis go head-to-head for total prize money of nearly three million pounds.

And while itching to get started, the former Woodheys Primary School pupil believes there’ll be more than a few nerves when he steps out onto court for the first time later this month.

“Obviously there are going to be some nerves,” he added. “But that should help me to focus on the job that we need to do. “We went to the O2 last week to get a feel for the surroundings, it’s enormous, I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere.”

• For more information on becoming a Barclays Ball Kid at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London visit barclaysballkids.com.