Footscray’s Summer Leatitagaloa has lobbed into the spotlight as the country’s top ballgirl.
Summer, 15, took the honour as one of the top two ballkids out of 380 during the recent Australian Open.
Taking part in her third and final Australian Open, the keen tennis player said it was a dream come true to share the court with Serena and Venus Williams during their final and to be there as Roger Federer claimed the men’s title.
“I loved the atmosphere and getting up close and personal with the players was a great experience, to be on the same court as them,” she said.
“I was really happy to be there when the Williams sisters played in the final.”
Summer has enjoyed each of her Australian Open experiences, after first becoming a ballkid at 13 at the suggestion of her mother Leanne. As high temperatures took a physical and mental toll on the court during this year’s Open, Summer stayed calm and composed to lead by example for the younger ballkids.
Leanne said she was proud of her daughter for her leadership and pleased by the level of support shown to the ballkids by Tennis Australia. The ‘best ballgirl’ honour has earned Summer a place as a ballkid at Roland Garros for the 2017 French Open in May and June.
