Basildon’S Olivia Sofroniou was put through her paces by former British No.1 tennis player Greg Rusedski as her bid to become a Barclays Ball Kid entered its final stage.

The 14-year-old Southend High School for Girls pupil was one of 100 youngsters to be given expert tuition from 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.

Sofroniou, who lives in Steeple View, demonstrated her talent in front of Rusedski as well as Mark Petchey, the former coach of current British No 1 Andy Murray, who will also be in action at the ATP World Tour Finals.

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

“I think it would be really amazing to get to go on to the court with all the best tennis players,” said Sofroniou, who has beaten off competition from thousands of 12 to 16 year-olds to make it this far.

“If you get through you get to stand there up close with the top players around and get the best look at how they play.

“It would be such a great experience and I would really love to be able to do it.”

The nationwide Barclays Ball Kids search began in January with Sofroniou — whose favourite player is Federer — qualifying from the Eastern regional trial at Culford School in Bury St Edmunds.

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

“This is a wonderful opportunities 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 No 4 in the world during his playing days.

“Right now we are going through a really magical era of tennis stars and to think that Olivia 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 ww.barclaysballkids.com