Coco Gauff defends the ball kids who are forced to deal with sweaty towels during the matches.

The controversy surrounding the role of ball kids in the tennis circuit has gained traction once again, particularly regarding the delivery of towels to players during matches. Coco Gauff, the young American star, did not hesitate to enter the discussion, highlighting the long-standing tradition of ball kids assisting athletes on the courts. The debate, which has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, raises questions about the hygiene and comfort of the young individuals who play a crucial role in tournaments.

Blair Henley, during an episode of the podcast “Love All,” hosted by former world number one Kim Clijsters, addressed the controversy over ball kids and towels. Henley argued that “ball kids should continue to bring the towels.” With a nostalgic tone, she recalled how this was one of the most exciting parts of her job as a ball kid. “I thought it was amazing,” revealed Henley, who also spoke with several young individuals involved in the support teams, all expressing similar feelings about interacting with the players.

Social media has played an important role in this discussion. A clip from the podcast was widely shared on Instagram, catching Gauff’s attention, who quickly joined the conversation. The tennis player suggested a solution she observed at a tournament: instead of handing towels directly, ball kids could use containers. “I saw a tournament where they put the towels in baskets and brought the baskets to the players. I feel like that would be a good option?” Gauff questioned.

Meanwhile, the athlete acknowledged concerns regarding hygiene, revealing that she often felt uncomfortable asking ball kids to handle sweaty towels during matches. “But I agree that it’s not pleasant for the ball kids to touch sweaty towels, lol. I’ve always felt bad giving them my sweaty towels,” she admitted.

For many decades, ball kids have played an essential role in tennis matches. One of their main functions was to deliver towels to players between points, ensuring that the pace of the game was maintained after long and exhausting rallies. However, in 2020, the practice was halted due to the pandemic, with health protocols requiring players to pick up their own towels from stands located behind the baseline, a change aimed at reducing contact and improving sanitation.

This alteration brought new challenges for athletes, who often found themselves having to run to the back of the court to grab towels within the strict 25-second time limit. After long rallies, many competitors complained that the time constraint was unrealistic. By the end of 2024, the ATP Tour decided to reinstate towel delivery at its events, seeking to restore the flow of matches. However, in 2026, some tournaments began testing hybrid systems where ball kids carry baskets or trays without directly touching the towels.

Meanwhile, Gauff is preparing to begin her campaign at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where she will face qualifier Kamilla Rakhimova in the second round. However, the issue of towels is not new in the world of tennis. Even legends of the sport have discussed the topic over the years. The conversation gained new momentum following the changes implemented during the pandemic.

Young tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas also expressed his concerns about the new approach, which requires players to retrieve their own towels between points. In 2018, an incident involving Fernando Verdasco at the Shenzhen Open highlighted the frustration that this change can cause. During a semifinal, Verdasco became visibly irritated with a ball boy for taking too long to deliver his towel, a moment that quickly became a topic of discussion on social media.

Tournaments began testing a new towel rack system at lower-level qualifying events during the 2018 season, aiming to reduce slow play. However, following the incident with Verdasco, the rule was put to the test at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan, where several young players voiced their dissatisfaction. Tsitsipas, in particular, was a vocal critic, stating that the new rule created inconveniences. “Having to run to get the towel is not ideal,” he said.

Now, with the conversation resurfacing, Coco Gauff suggests a way to bring back the tradition in a more hygienic manner. But the question remains: should ball kids resume handing towels to players in tennis? Fans and experts are eager to hear opinions on this issue that continues to divide the sports world.