Inside the Competitive World of the US Open Ball Crew
Our take
The seemingly simple role of ball crew at the US Open belies a world of intense training, rigorous selection, and surprising athleticism. It’s a job many might dismiss as “highly unqualified for,” as the original article playfully notes, but the reality is far from casual. This isn't merely about retrieving tennis balls; it's about maintaining the seamless flow of a high-stakes professional tennis match, requiring impeccable timing, spatial awareness, and a profound understanding of the game. The dedication these individuals demonstrate— enduring hours of drills, memorizing court layouts, and mastering precise movements—elevates the position from a mere job to a specialized skill. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous operational infrastructure that supports elite sports, and reminds us that every element of a polished performance, whether on the court or behind the scenes, demands dedicated expertise. The dedication to detail echoes the curated precision we champion – a concept explored in depth within I Live in Paris—5 Things I Do and Don't Wear in the City, where discerning choices and subtle nuances define effortless style.
The competitiveness of the ball crew selection process underscores the importance of this often-overlooked role. The rigorous screening and training—a testament to the standards required—reflects a broader trend in professional sports toward optimizing every facet of the competition. It's not just about the players; it's about the entire ecosystem that enables their performance. Consider, for example, the thoughtful curation of a wardrobe, as highlighted in These 21 Summer Pieces Have Officially Talked Me Into a Self-Gifting Spree— a deliberate investment in quality and style that enhances confidence and presence. Similarly, the ball crew's training embodies a commitment to excellence and a pursuit of an elevated standard, even in a supporting role. The precision and dedication required mirror the deliberate choices we make in cultivating a timeless aesthetic, ensuring every detail contributes to a cohesive and impactful whole.
Beyond the immediate impact on the match’s flow, the US Open ball crew represents a fascinating intersection of athleticism, precision, and professionalism. These individuals are essentially athletes in their own right, requiring stamina, agility, and the ability to anticipate movements at a rapid pace. They embody a quiet strength and unwavering focus, operating with a grace and efficiency that allows the players to concentrate solely on their game. Their training demands a level of mental acuity and physical conditioning that rivals many more visible sporting roles, demonstrating that excellence can be found in unexpected places. The ability to maintain composure under pressure, a key element of their training, is a trait that resonates across many disciplines – from the poise of a seasoned performer to the confident demeanor of a modern muse, as explored with Simone Ashley in Simone Ashley on "The Devil Wears Prada" Memories, And Her Favorite Drugstore Product.
Ultimately, the story of the US Open ball crew serves as a potent reminder that the pursuit of excellence is a collective endeavor. It's a testament to the power of dedication and the importance of recognizing the contributions of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. The meticulous preparation, the unwavering focus, and the quiet professionalism of the ball crew are integral to the overall experience of the US Open, and a compelling illustration of how even the most seemingly minor roles can contribute to a moment of iconic sporting brilliance. As professional sports continue to evolve and prioritize operational efficiency, what other traditionally overlooked roles will rise in prominence, and how will their contributions be recognized and valued?
In a long list of jobs I'm highly unqualified for, ball person is top five. If you've ever been to a professional tennis match, you'll see them dashing across the court in what feels like milliseconds to chase down a neon green ball before the next serve. The movement is quick, effortless, and causes very little disruption to the game. From an outsider's perspective, the job seems nerve-racking and nearly impossible to finesse. But what you witness in an hours-long match, Jaime Rivera has been perfecting for almost half his life.
Rivera was first recommended to join the US Open's ball crew by a tennis coach from his after-school program. "I was just a little scrawny kid from high school and just trying to throw the ball all the way down the court," he tells Popsugar.
Now, he's an incoming eleventh-year veteran, leading his sister Amanda Rivera down the same path. So what does it take to become part of the elite crew responsible for keeping the biggest matches in tennis going? We asked two of the pros to weigh in.
Popsugar: What are some of the most important skills you need to be a ball person?
Jaime Rivera: Anyone with a team mentality, I think they should go for it.
Amanda Rivera: Whoever shows hustle too, shows heart. It's not even about being the fastest and most agile.
JR: It's about the intent, the effort, and the desire to be there.
PS: What does a typical tournament day look like for you?
AR: We get an email the night prior of when our shift time will start and we arrive by then. Usually we have around 30 minutes of downtime to clock in to change before we head out to court. We're on court for an hour and a half on and an hour and a half off.
JR: But you also don't find out your crew until like five minutes before what court you're going to, so there's a bit of surprise to it as well.
Jaime Rivera and Amanda Rivera
PS: What's the hardest part of the job?
JR: Keeping up the intensity for almost three weeks in the blistering heat.
AR: That's so true. It's easy for the first few days where you really go all out and everything, but to continue going all out every single day and at least showing up as best as you can, that gets a little tricky.
"We wait for the moment that somebody brings up tennis just so we can tell them that we ball crew."
PS: How do you guys keep up the endurance?
JR: We both do long distance running. I ran the marathon last year. We run countless halfs . . . just running all the time.
AR: Hydration. It gets to a point where the sun is really hot and you feel the heat coming from the court. [It's] not fun when you're not properly equipped for the heat.
PS: What does your compensation look like?
JR: We get a daily food allowance. We get paid I think minimum wage. It's like 18 or 19 [dollars an hour]. The best perk: we get free matches. We get to watch on whatever stadium as long as there's seating in the upper levels.
AR: Honestly, it's not really about the pay. It's all about the experience.
PS: What has been your most memorable experience on the job?
AR: I did a few [Carlos] Alcaraz matches last tournament or last year — and honestly, he's just a great player to watch overall.
JR: Absolute cinema.
AR: I also did work a Venus doubles match last year which I thought was really cool because I thought the Williams sisters were done.
JR: Maybe we get Serena again this year!
PS: What do you do outside of this?
AR: We wait for the moment that somebody brings up tennis just so we can tell them that we ball crew.
PS: Wait, really though, do you have full-time jobs?
JR: I work in construction.
AR: I just finished my undergrad, but I'm going back to school in the fall to pursue nursing.
Alexis Jones is the section lead of the health and fitness verticals at Popsugar, overseeing coverage across the website, social media, and newsletters. In her seven-plus years of editorial experience, Alexis has developed passions for and expertise in mental health, women's health and fitness, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining PS, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.Read on the original site
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