China Open CEO Duan Gang understands the value of the job since his son has served as one at the China Open for two years since 2012.

"He refused to be a junior reporter to cover the China Open," Duan says.

"He said the job provides a service, even if it's not creative. I could tell he grew through the experience.

"We want more Chinese youth to become interested in tennis. And the job is important to promoting the China Open."

The China Open also organizes a "little painter" program, and provides tennis courts and equipment to schools in Beijing.

"We also hire professionals to consult for their education plans during the camp. And we plan to provide training about sports safety," Duan says.

Indeed, the program shows the ball boy experience is about much more than merely retrieving and providing tennis balls.

Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn