Tennis fans were left bewildered by the strange equipment being used by ballkids at the Vienna Open. The innovative piece of kit caught the attention of eagle-eyed viewers watching the ATP 500 event in Austria.

Netted Racquets Replace Traditional Strings

Instead of the usual tight strings, the ballkids at the Vienna Open were equipped with special tennis racquets featuring loose nets. This unique design allows them to catch and collect tennis balls during the matches.

Unusual Sight on the Court

The sight of the young ballkids scampering across the court, holding the netted racquets, created a strange spectacle. It almost seemed as if they were ready to jump into the action themselves.

A Longstanding Practice

It is understood that the organisers of the Vienna Open have been using these customised racquets for several years. Some fans also noted that the novel approach was seen at the event in Stockholm.

Fans React to the Unique Equipment

The use of the netted racquets by ballkids has not gone unnoticed by tennis fans. Many took to social media to express their thoughts and amusement:

• "The ballkids here in Vienna have little net pouches on tennis rackets to catch the flyaway balls. Now I'm weirded out by normal rackets not having the pouches because it's so fun to watch the ballkids catch the balls with that."
• "Love ballkids with rackets (protection) at tennis tourney in Vienna."
• "Always like seeing the ball kids in Vienna with their shrimping nets."
• "I think all ballkids at all tournaments should have nets for catching balls."
• "Why do the ball boys at ATP Vienna have rackets lmao."

US Open Runner-Up Daniil Medvedev Leads the Tournament

The top seed at the Austrian tournament is US Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev. Great Britain's Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans are also representing their country in the competition. Unfortunately, Evans had to withdraw from the match against Frances Tiafoe due to a calf injury.

The use of netted racquets by ballkids at the Vienna Open has caused quite a stir among tennis fans. While some find it entertaining and innovative, others are left scratching their heads. Regardless, it adds a unique element to the tournament and keeps viewers on their toes.