Pittard Siblings Share Special Australian Open Connection
For siblings Genevieve (2022), Oliver (2025) and Phoebe Pittard (Year 10) the Australian Open has become more than just a world-class sporting event, it has been a memorable part of their teenage years.
The Pittard family has enjoyed an impressive eight year connection with the tournament, with both Oliver and Phoebe selected as ball kids at Melbourne Park. Oliver dedicated four years to the program, before concluding his time due to age eligibility, with his final year aligning with Phoebe’s first, marking a special passing of the baton between siblings. He also finished his time as a two-time Men’s Final ball kid, no mean feat, as the top ball kids are graded daily across the three-week tournament.
Being selected as an Australian Open ball kid is no small achievement. Each year, thousands of hopefuls aged between 12 and 15 trial for the program, with only a select few chosen. The process demands speed, teamwork, precision and focus qualities both Oliver and Phoebe demonstrated across their years of service. Between them, the siblings have each contributed over 1,000 hours through volunteering, training and tournament commitments. Both Oliver and Phoebe have also had the unique opportunity to work on court with some of the world’s top 10 players, including Djokovic, Sinner, Alcaraz, Nadal, Federer, Barty and Serena.
Their experience courtside during some of the world’s biggest matches has been unforgettable, from the intensity of play to the electric atmosphere as crowds erupt at the conclusion of a match, moments few young tennis enthusiasts ever witness so closely. The program has also provided valuable insight into the behind the scenes world of elite sports event management, while fostering long term friendships with fellow ball kids across Australia and France. Early starts, 4am finishes during Men’s Finals, travelling with work permits during COVID restrictions, and working through heat and rain delays have all become part of their shared event memories.
In 2026, the family’s connection to the tournament continued in a special way, with Phoebe given the honour of carrying the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup into Rod Laver Arena during the opening ceremony, a moment of great pride for the Pittard family. Phoebe has also been selected as part of the Ballkid Leadership Squad for 2025–2026.
Adding to this unique family story, Genevieve Pittard has also been involved with the tournament, working as an Australian Open Court Services employee from 2023 to 2026, alongside her siblings during this time.
While 2026 marks the conclusion of an incredible eight year journey within the ball kids program, the Pittard family’s involvement in tennis may not end here. All three siblings will be eligible to join the Australian Open workforce team in 2027.
Phoebe’s journey is set to continue in the immediate future, having been selected as a ball kid for the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup to be held in Melbourne this April.
Ballarat Grammar is proud to celebrate the Pittard sibling’s dedication, service and outstanding contribution to one of Australia’s most prestigious sporting events.
Acknowledgement of Country
Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, live and work, the Wadawurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Commitment to Child Safety
Ballarat Grammar maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and actively implements measures to identify and manage any risks of harm to students within our school environment. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people are central and fundamental responsibilities of the School. We are firmly committed to fostering a child-safe culture that provides an environment where students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives. Ballarat Grammar values diversity and strictly prohibits any racist or discriminatory practices. All members of our school community share the responsibility to care for children and young people by promptly raising any concerns regarding their safety, promoting their wellbeing, and protecting them from all forms of harm or abuse.
