Undeterred by fog and fasting, more than 400 students brought a bundle of energy, enthusiasm, and excitement to the J.P. Morgan Kids’ Day on the first morning of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships’ ATP 500 week.
Against the backdrop of blasting pop hits that had kids singing in their seats, a one-hour session was hosted by dynamic Italian doubles duo Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, treating children aged between seven and 10 – as well as their teachers – to a demonstration of skills and some lessons in sportsmanship and teamwork.
Italy are the reigning Davis Cup champions and the two pros put on a show for the students, battling it out in competitive rallies. The fun continued as ball kids came on court and put up a sneak-peak of their training routine leading up to the championships, with the players, kids, coaches, and teachers trying to keep up with their fast-paced practice.
Speaking after the activity, Bolelli said: “I thought it was wonderful
We witnessed tremendous passion not only from the kids, but also from the staff, who were doing an excellent job. The ball kids were very organised and disciplined, so I must commend their outstanding work.
“It’s always rewarding to give back when we have the opportunity. We used to be ball kids ourselves when we were younger, so these moments bring back many memories from my childhood. It’s inspiring to see the enthusiasm they have and to know that they look up to us. It’s a privilege to serve as a role model for others.”
Each year, the J.P. Morgan Kids Day brings hundreds of students to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, making it one of the most anticipated events of the tournament. This year, Cambridge International School brought 80 students. Speaking from the stands, Srivani Pechetti, the school’s faculty leader for Physical Education, said: “This is our second time at this event, and the kids have had a grand time. This is such a great opportunity to bring the students out of school and let them soak up inspiration from world-class tennis players. We look forward to participating in many more activities in the coming years.”
The JP Morgan Kids’ Day traditionally takes place during the first days of the two-week championships, giving students a rare opportunity to watch some of the sport’s best players up-close. Bolelli and Vavassori, for example, have four Grand Slam doubles titles between them and are ranked inside the world’s top 20.
“We are delighted to once again support the J
P. Morgan Kids Day at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Tournament,” said Khaled Hobballah, Senior Country Officer for the MENA region at J.P. Morgan. “Encouraging young people to engage with tennis is at the heart of our commitment to the community. Watching these students discover new talents, grow in confidence, and connect with one another is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing how their experiences today will shape their futures, both in tennis and beyond.”