If you’ve been tuning in to the Shanghai Masters religiously, you’ve probably been both entertained and exhausted just watching it. The hot, humid conditions have been the biggest talking point since day one – and it’s definitely not for good reason. Players haven’t just struggled; several have been forced to pull out entirely, including defending champion Jannik Sinner, Tomas Machac, Casper Ruud, David Goffin, Hamad Medjedovic, Terence Atmane, and Wu Yibing. But did you ever wonder what’s been happening to the ball kids who have to stand out there through every scorching rally?

For those still standing in the draw, it’s clear that things aren’t getting any easier and it’s quickly turning into a true test of endurance. Zizou Bergs, though, is making the most of it. The Belgian has powered his way into his first-ever Masters 1000 quarterfinal, taking advantage of an open draw and finally catching a break when he beat No. 30 seed Gabriel Diallo on Tuesday as temperatures started to drop. Still, Bergs couldn’t help but express concern for the ball kids, who aren’t allowed to rest during changeovers the way players do.

After Zizou Bergs battled past Canada’s Gabriel Diallo, the No. 31 seed, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(8) on Tuesday morning at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center to reach his first Masters 1000 quarterfinal, the Belgian couldn’t help but reflect on the extreme conditions. “It’s definitely better,” he admitted about the temperature. “Two days ago it was just absolutely brutal.” While the heat had slightly eased, he said it still felt like “standing in a swimming pool” from all the sweat.

Bergs has been adjusting to the heat, but what stood out was his concern for the people who don’t get much attention: the ball kids. “It’s obviously not easy for us players, but look at the ball boys and ball girls. They’re doing an amazing job,” he said. He confessed that while players get chances to hydrate and cool off during changeovers, the ball kids don’t. “I feel really bad for them, but I’m also really happy that nothing is happening to them.” And honestly speaking, his concern is justified.

Ball kids usually spend around 45 to 60 minutes on court at a time, sometimes longer if a set runs long. In hot and humid conditions like those in Shanghai, the job can become physically draining. Moreover, there have been several incidents over the years when ball kids have collapsed from the heat — at the Australian Open in 2014, the Italian Open in 2016, and most recently at the 2025 Australian Open, when a ball kid fainted during a mixed doubles match at Margaret Court Arena in over 30°C heat.

Thankfully, that hasn’t been the case in Shanghai this week. As Zizou Bergs noted, despite the brutal conditions, the ball kids have managed to stay safe. While they don’t get rest breaks during changeovers, they do rotate, typically one hour on, one hour off, to prevent excessive exposure. Still, this isn’t the first time players have spoken out about the ball kids, though.

Ball kids earn praise after taking on ‘Dangerous’ task courtside

Remember a few months ago at the Citi Open, when a fan in the front row almost got nailed by one of Ben Shelton’s rocket serves? The chair umpire had even warned the crowd beforehand, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, if you are sitting in the first row, when the players are serving, please pay attention. The ball is coming really fast.” Luckily, the ball only struck the woman’s leg and didn’t cause any real harm. But what about the ball kids on court? Well, they’re not always that lucky, and Shelton knows that better than anyone.

After capturing his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto on Thursday night, Shelton had a heartfelt message for the ball kids. The American edged out Karen Khachanov 6-7, 6-4, 7-6(3) in a thrilling final at the Canadian Open, but instead of celebrating himself, he took a moment to recognize those who help make the tournament run smoothly. “I want to thank the ball kids,” he said during the trophy ceremony. “You guys have a policy here where when we hit a serve, you’re supposed to try to catch it out of the air. And I’m not sure who came up with that.”

Clearly impressed by their bravery, Shelton added, “It seems a little bit dangerous, but a few of y’all caught it. I hit it like 230 kmph, you caught it out of the air. Surely, you guys have some kind of career in professional sports, because that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen. If there’s any broken fingers, I’m sorry.”

And while Zizou Bergs’ big win in Shanghai grabbed the headlines, it also reminded everyone that the wellbeing of ball kids deserves just as much attention. That said, do you think tournaments should change the rules to give ball kids more rest or protection?