Hero Ball Kid to the Rescue at Shanghai Masters!

Shanghai

Ball kid to the rescue! Auger-Aliassime gets a helping hand in Shanghai

Canadian defeated De Jong in straight sets

October 06, 2025

A ball kid enjoyed his moment in the sun on Monday at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, where he came to the aid of Felix Auger-Aliassime in the closing stages of the Canadian’s clash against Jesper de Jong.

Serving at 6-4, 4-5, 15/30, the No. 13 player in the PIF ATP Rankings put on his running shoes to track down a drop shot from the Dutchman but was unable to make up the ground. After lunging forward to get a racquet on the ball, Auger-Aliassime took a slight tumble and found himself sitting on the hard courts at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

Just as he was preparing to return to his feet, a ball kid made his way onto court and offered his hands to the 25-year-old, who was successfully pulled to his feet, with the ball kid receiving loud cheers from the crowd.

Auger-Aliassime went on to seal a 6-4, 7-5 win and will next play Lorenzo Musetti or Luciano Darderi. Auger-Aliassime is 10th in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin and is aiming to make his second appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals, to be held from 9-16 November. He holds a 36-19 record on the season, according to Infosys ATP Stats and married long-term partner Nina last month.

In a heartwarming moment at the Shanghai ATP tournament, Canadian tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime received a surprising assist from an unlikely source—a ball kid. The incident occurred during a tightly contested match, where every second and every ball mattered.

As Auger-Aliassime sprinted to reach a fast-moving shot, the ball unexpectedly rolled away from the court. Without missing a beat, a vigilant ball kid quickly retrieved the ball and handed it to the player, allowing him to continue the rally seamlessly. Fans in attendance erupted in applause, acknowledging the quick thinking and sportsmanship displayed.

Auger-Aliassime, known for his agility and resilience on the court, smiled and nodded at the young helper, clearly appreciative of the timely support. “It’s incredible to see such awareness and quick reflexes,” Auger-Aliassime commented after the match. “Moments like these remind you how teamwork, even from unexpected sources, can make a big difference.”

The Shanghai crowd witnessed more than just a high-level tennis match; they saw a reminder of the human element in sports—a small gesture that contributed to the flow of the game and brought a smile to everyone watching.

This lighthearted yet memorable moment highlights the often-overlooked role of ball kids in tennis, who play a crucial part in keeping matches running smoothly. While the players may take the spotlight, moments like these show that behind every great match is a team working tirelessly to ensure everything goes perfectly.

As the tournament progresses, fans will remember not only the high-stakes matches and thrilling rallies but also this charming episode of sportsmanship and quick thinking that added a touch of warmth to the competition.