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Tai, 54, has worked as a ball person in tennis tournaments since the 1980s. (Hannah Foslien/For The Washington Post)

At top tennis tournaments, stealthy ‘ballers’ keep the gears turning

 What to know

Kuangkai Tai, a 54-year-old pediatrician, returns to the DC Open as a ball person, a role he loves for its intensity and connection to tennis. Ball crew members, aged 14 to 70, must blend into the environment, requiring speed, agility and precision. The selection process is competitive, with tryouts and evaluations ensuring only the best remain.

Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed.

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