Outrage as Australian Open axes ball kids' pay from 2026
Source: dailymail.co.uk
- Australian Open ball kids will go unpaid for their work starting in 2026.
- Former player Mark Philippoussis publicly called out the tournament for treating kids like 'slaves'.
- The decision affects over 300 young volunteers who previously earned $10 per day.
The Australian Open has decided to stop paying its ball kids from 2026, sparking backlash from fans and former star Mark Philippoussis. These kids, mostly aged 12 to 15, have retrieved balls and performed duties for years in exchange for small daily payments and perks like free tickets. Philippoussis slammed the move as exploitative, highlighting how the tournament rakes in millions while kids get nothing. It matters because it spotlights fairness issues in major sports events that rely on unpai