Be part of a modern Madrid Open

 

Originally published on: 29/03/12 16:42

All of the top four men have won the Mutua Madrid Open – either in its previous form as a blue hard court tournament or after its 2009 transformation to red clay – but in 2012 the tournament will take on the appearance of both when it becomes the tour’s first blue clay event.

Ellesse are giving you the chance to not only be present in Madrid, but to take part in the ground breaking event. The official sponsors of the tournament are running a global competition to find an additional ball boy and girl to join the team.

Known for bringing innovative ideas to a traditional sport, the Madrid Open has carved a reputation with its penchant for bold changes and this year will be no different. For the first time in history the players will walk on to the clay of the Spanish capital’s ‘Caja Magica’ from May 3 and depart with dusty blue socks, rather than red. The new courts have been introduced for the benefit of spectators who can see the ball better against the dark background and were the innovation of Ion Tiriac, the tournament owner and the man once labelled “tennis’ grandest bad boy.’

Another modification this year will see ellesse team up with French Fashion designer Surface 2 Air, with the ball boys and girls kitted out in their newest creations.

The tournament’s use of models as ball boys and girls since 2004 has set Madrid apart from other Masters 1000 tournaments, and the two winners will be among the ball girls and boys who will be the first ever to work on the new surface.

The competition requires entrants to submit a retro image of themselves in the style of ellesse’s ‘iconic playboys and calendar girls’, along with a few words as to why you would make a great choice as a ball collector. The prizewinners will spend two weeks in Madrid, training with the team, and will also have their accommodation, food, travel and spending money provided.

But applicants need to hurry as the competition closes in the first week of April. Entries can be made at the competition Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ellesse, or on the competition website http://www.ellesse.com/

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