US Open ball crew members detail selection process and court requirements

Ball crew members Nikolay Klioutchnikov and Kento Smith provided insight into the operations of the US Open sideline staff. Candidates must pass an initial application followed by in-person tryouts that test physical agility and the ability to recover from on-court errors. Selected members undergo two additional training sessions covering ball handling and match simulation techniques. Once accepted, crew members are generally eligible to return in subsequent years without re-testing, provided they remain over 14 years old and meet legal working requirements. On-court protocols are strict, including requirements for silent communication, specific movement synchronization with partners at the baseline, and a prohibition against speaking with professional players. Many members, including Klioutchnikov and Smith, discover the opportunity through outreach from organizations like New York Junior Tennis & Learning.

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