SWINDON’S Emma Hancock was put through her paces by former British number one Greg Rusedski as her bid to become a Barclays Ball Kid entered its final stage.

The 15-year-old St. Joseph's Catholic College pupil was one of 100 youngsters to be given expert tuition by Rusedski at the Barclays Ball Kids National Trial at Westway Sports Centre in London.

Up for grabs is the prize of starring alongside Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the O2 as one of 30 ball kids for the ATP World Tour Finals in November.

Hancock demonstrated her talent in front of Rusedski as well as Mark Petchey, the former coach of current British number one Andy Murray, who will also be in action at the ATP World Tour Finals.

And Wootton Bassett Tennis Club’s Hancock admitted it would be a dream come true to rub shoulders with the likes of Murray and his international rivals later this year.

“I’ve done this for the last three years so it really would be a case of third time lucky,” said Hancock, who has beaten off competition from thousands of 12-16 year-olds to make it this far.

“It has been really hard each time but to actually get picked would be really amazing and totally worth it.

“I would be so happy if I was picked and to be able to meet some of the best players in the world would be such a great experience.”

The nationwide Barclays Ball Kids search began in January with Hancock - whose favourite player is Federer - qualifying from the south west regional trial at the David Lloyd Club in Bristol.

And Rusedski, who along with Petchey will select the lucky winners, believes Hancock will be in for a treat she will never forget should she reach the O2.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for these kids because if you love your tennis then you get to see the eight best players in the world and be on the same court as them,” said Rusedski, who reached number four in the world during his playing days.

“Right now we are going through a really magical era of tennis stars and to think that Emma could be alongside them is brilliant.

“We are narrowing it down to just 30 which is very difficult but it does ensure we have the best of the best come November at the O2.”

For more information on becoming a Barclays Ball Kid at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London in November, you can visit www.barclaysballkids.com.