Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Australian Open Faces Criticism for Not Paying Ball Kids
The Australian Open is being criticized for not paying its ball kids, who are aged between 12 and 15.
These kids work long hours, sometimes in harsh conditions, to help the tournament run smoothly.
A former tennis player, Mark Philippoussis, thinks the kids should be paid at least a little pocket money.
The tournament's chief, Craig Tiley, says paying the kids isn't simple because of labour laws.
Instead, the kids get tickets, transport, food, and gifts.
Some other big tennis tournaments pay their ball kids, but the French Open doesn't.
Australian Open employs 435 ball kids aged 12-15, who work long hours in demanding conditions.
Former tennis player Mark Philippoussis advocates for paying ball kids at least some pocket money.
Australian Open chief Craig Tiley cites labour-related challenges as reasons for not paying ball kids.
Ball kids are compensated with tickets, transport, food, and gifts instead of cash.
Other Grand Slams pay their ball kids, but the French Open does not.
- Who
- Australian Open organizers and ball kids aged 12-15
- What
- Debate over paying ball kids for their work
- When
- During the Australian Open tournament
- Where
- Melbourne, Australia
- Why
- Ball kids work long hours in demanding conditions, and some argue they should be compensated
- Number of Ball Kids
- 435
- Age Range of Ball Kids
- 12-15 years
- Working Hours
- 8 hours/day, 45-minute to 1-hour sessions
- Compensation for Ball Kids
- Tickets, transport, food, and gifts
- Tournament's Stance
- Labour-related challenges cited for not paying
- Other Tournaments' Practices
- French Open doesn't pay; other Grand Slams do