MELBOURNE — The Australian Open, a tournament renowned for its electric atmosphere and family-friendly vibe, has found itself at the center of an unexpected controversy involving a ten-year-old ball kid, her furious parents, and two of the sport's biggest stars. The incident, which unfolded during a high-profile second-round match, has sparked a fierce debate about child welfare, professional boundaries, and the intense political undercurrents in modern tennis.
The controversy centers on Ava Sultana, a young ball kid who was working on Rod Laver Arena for the match between Belarusian world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka and Ukrainian 19th seed Elina Svitolina. Following Sabalenka's straight-sets victory, a customary post-match ritual took an unusual turn, leaving Ava's parents feeling their daughter was used as an unwitting pawn in the sport's geopolitical tensions.
The Post-Match Flashpoint
As is tradition, the ball kids lined up for a photo with the match winner, Sabalenka. Ava, positioned at the end of the line, was captured in a cheerful group picture with the defending champion. However, moments later, an Australian Open official reportedly approached Ava and asked her to step out of line for a second, separate photograph with Sabalenka alone. Unbeknownst to the young girl, this single act would ignite a firestorm.
The situation escalated when Svitolina, who has a steadfast policy of not shaking hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, quickly exited the court. In a gesture of sportsmanship towards the ball crew, she paused to take a photo with them. Once again, Ava was part of this group picture. To outside observers and tournament organizers, it was a series of innocent, celebratory moments. To Ava's parents, watching from the stands, it was a deeply distressing manipulation.
A Family's Outrage and Accusations
Ava's father, Sam Sultana, voiced his family's anger in interviews with Australian media, stating their daughter had been thrust into a situation far beyond her understanding. "She was used as a political pawn to make a point," he told the Herald Sun. "They isolated her from the other ball kids to get that solo photo with Sabalenka. She’s ten years old. She shouldn’t be involved in any of this. She’s there to retrieve tennis balls, not to be part of some statement."
The family's core complaint hinges on the belief that tournament officials orchestrated the solo photo to create a specific narrative—showing a young child willingly engaging with Sabalenka amidst the backdrop of Svitolina's handshake snub. They argue this placed an unfair and inappropriate burden on Ava, exposing her to potential online scrutiny and confusing her about an adult conflict. Key points of their frustration include:
- Lack of Consent: Neither Ava nor her parents were consulted about the unusual request for a separate photo.
- Breach of Protocol: Ball kids are typically treated as a unified team; singling one out is highly irregular.
- Emotional Distress: Ava was reportedly left confused and upset after her parents explained the wider context of the match.
- Safety Concerns: The family now fears she could be targeted on social media for her inadvertent role in the incident.
Tournament and Player Responses
Tennis Australia (TA) moved quickly to address the growing scandal, issuing a statement that defended their officials' actions while acknowledging the family's distress. A TA spokesperson explained, "After the match, Aryna requested a photo with the ball kids, which is common. Our official then asked one of the ball kids to join Aryna for a photo in front of the Australian Open logo. There was no malice or ill intent."
The spokesperson emphasized that the health and safety of all staff, including ball kids, is their top priority and that they are in direct contact with the Sultana family. However, they stopped short of issuing an apology, maintaining the incident was a simple misunderstanding of standard procedure. For her part, Aryna Sabalenka appeared blindsided by the controversy. When asked about it in a subsequent press conference, she expressed confusion and sympathy:
"I just did my photo with the ball kids, like I always do. I didn't notice anything. I didn't know that something went wrong... If her parents are feeling this way, I'm really sorry. I would never want to make anyone feel bad, especially a kid."
Elina Svitolina, who has navigated the painful intersection of sport and politics with remarkable grace, has not publicly commented on this specific incident. Her focus remains on her performance and her humanitarian efforts for Ukraine. The lack of a handshake, a personal policy she has consistently maintained, was the expected backdrop against which this ancillary drama played out.
Broader Implications for the Sport
The "ball kid saga," as it has been dubbed by local press, highlights several pressing issues in professional tennis. First, it underscores the immense and often unmanageable pressure placed on tournaments to navigate the Russian and Belarusian participation issue without creating inflammatory incidents. Every interaction, no matter how small, is now scrutinized for political meaning.
Second, it raises critical questions about the duty of care owed to the children who volunteer at these global events. Ball kids are essential to the operation of tournaments, yet their youth and vulnerability can sometimes be overlooked in the high-stakes environment of elite sport. Protocols for their protection, especially in politically charged matches, may need to be explicitly reviewed and strengthened.
Finally, the incident demonstrates how athletes' personal stances—like Svitolina's handshake policy—can create unintended ripple effects, impacting not just their opponents but everyone around them, including innocent bystanders like Ava. The court becomes a stage for narratives far beyond tennis, and not all participants are willing actors.
A Lingering Shadow on the Happy Slam
As the Australian Open continued, the story served as a sobering counterpoint to the usual on-court heroics. For the Sultana family, what should have been a thrilling and proud experience for their daughter has been irrevocably tainted. Sam Sultana's final words were a warning to other parents: "Be careful. Ask questions. Because they will use your children for their own gain."
While Tennis Australia hopes to resolve the matter privately with the family, the damage to their "Happy Slam" reputation is done. The episode is a stark reminder that in today's tennis landscape, the battles are not always confined to the baselines, and the casualties can sometimes be the youngest and most impressionable fans of the game.