US Open Ballperson Tryouts: A Reporter's Experience

The Allure of the US Open Ball Crew

• 🎾 The US Open atmosphere in New York City is described as spectacular and the best, drawing significant attention.
• 💡 Beyond the matches, the ball crew, with their iconic multicolored polo shirts, are highlighted as a source of entertaining and viral moments.

What It Takes to Be a Ballperson

• 🔑 Neil, the US Open ball crew lead, outlines the key attributes sought in candidates: speed, hand-eye coordination, and concentration.
• 🎯 Candidates must be able to roll the ball quickly, accurately, and smoothly.

A Reporter's Personal Tryout Experience

• 😅 Dani Beckstrom recounts a previous unsuccessful tryout, attributing it to having "too much pizzazz and not enough business."
• 🤝 To improve her chances, Dani enlists her producer, Max, to assist in the tryout.
• 🏃‍♂️ The tryout involves physical exertion, with Dani noting she got winded and acquired some bumps and bruises, gaining respect for the ball crew's athleticism.
• ✅ Dani is informed by Neil that she has a good chance of making the team this year, attributing her success to 12 months of preparation.
• ⚠️ In a humorous twist, Dani admits to hitting the camera with a ball during the tryout.