Spa duo preparing to face Nadal

After winning a nationwide competition. Myton School pupil Christian will be one of the 30 Barclays Ball Kids on court at the O2 Arena in London when the event kicks off on November 21.

The 15-year-old beat off competition from 1,600 children nationwide to win his spot as a tournament ball-boy and will now share the small screen with the world’s top eight players as they collide in tennis’ season finale.

And after honing his skills at a week-long training camp at The Hampshire Rackets & Health Club in Southampton during half-term, Christian admits he cannot wait for his moment in the spotlight.

“I’m definitely going to be thinking about the finals for the next few weeks and I’ll probably be watching tennis games between now and then and watching what the ball boys do,” said Christian.

“It’s going to be an amazing experience and I can’t wait for the chance to be on court with all the best players in the world.

“I am probably looking forward to seeing Roger Federer the most because he is my favourite tennis player. He is Swiss and I am a quarter Swiss so it’s going to be great to see him.”

Over 20,000 spectators a day will see Christian 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 £3 million.

And he won’t be the only Leamington representative on court in London with North Leamington School pupil Martha Dawkins-Schwiening also selected in the final 30.

And while itching to get started, Martha, 12, believes there’ll be butterflies aplenty when she gets up close to the likes of World number one Nadal during the live televised event.

“I was really happy when I found out that I had been picked but I am feeling quite nervous about it now,” said Dawkins-Schwiening.

“But when I get there hopefully I will get used to it.”

For information on how to become a Barclays Ball Kid at the 2011 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London go online.