Dubai, UAE – Over 400 students got a firsthand look at professional tennis skills on February 23 as Italian Davis Cup champions Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori hosted a one-hour clinic during the J.P. Morgan Kids Day at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. The event, part of the ATP 500 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, gave children aged seven to ten a rare opportunity to engage with world-class athletes.
Bolelli and Vavassori, who together hold four Grand Slam doubles titles and are ranked inside the global top 20, led the children through demonstrations of tennis techniques, competitive rallies, and lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. Ball kids from the tournament also joined the session, showcasing their training routines and adding a dynamic element to the clinic.
“It’s always rewarding to give back when we have the opportunity,” Bolelli said. “We used to be ball kids ourselves, so these moments bring back many memories. It’s inspiring to see the enthusiasm they have and to know that they look up to us.”
The J.P. Morgan Kids Day has become a highlight of the first days of the two-week championships, drawing students from schools across Dubai. Cambridge International School brought 80 participants this year. Faculty leader Srivani Pechetti praised the event for motivating students: “This is such a great opportunity to bring the students out of school and let them soak up inspiration from world-class tennis players.”
J.P. Morgan’s regional leadership emphasized the program’s community focus. Khaled Hobballah, Senior Country Officer for the MENA region, noted, “Encouraging young people to engage with tennis is at the heart of our commitment. Watching these students discover new talents, grow in confidence, and connect with one another is truly inspiring.”
The clinic underscores a broader trend of professional athletes and sports organizations investing in youth engagement initiatives. Events like these not only provide early exposure to elite sports but also foster skills such as discipline, collaboration, and confidence—qualities that extend beyond the tennis court.
For many children, this type of interaction with top-level athletes can shape long-term interest in sports and health while providing relatable role models. By combining skill demonstrations with educational and recreational elements, the J.P. Morgan Kids Day reinforces tennis as a tool for personal and social development.
