The D.C. Open tennis tournament relies on a dedicated ball crew staff of approximately 120 volunteers, most of whom return annually once they have been accepted. Those selected secure automatic admission to future events, fostering a stable and experienced team. Each day, the crew is divided into five groups of 10, each assigned to a different court, and they rotate every hour to maintain high energy levels without showing signs of fatigue, according to Jon Ginsberg, chairman of the ball crew.

Operations take place at the Rock Creek Tennis Center, where a cluster of white tents and trailers function as the crew’s base for meals, coordination, and downtime activities. Crew members begin arriving around 9:30 a.m. ahead of the first matches at 11 a.m., receiving schedules that shift them among courts daily and introduce them to different teammates. Volunteers often grab coffee and snacks before beginning their shifts.

Beyond the physical demands, the crew culture emphasizes team-building and camaraderie. Each volunteer submits a fun personal fact before the event, used to engage in social games such as trivia and card-playing between shifts. The atmosphere, while professional, encourages enjoyment among participants as they share their passion for tennis and the unique opportunity to watch world-class players up close.

For many, this volunteer role is considered a “dream” due to the combination of free access to top-level tennis and the close-knit community it fosters. However, the position demands more than enthusiasm—it requires speed, agility, keen intuition, and thorough knowledge of tennis. Prospective crew members prepare seriously for tryouts by practicing tennis, running drills, ball-rolling accuracy, and court positioning quizzes to ensure they do not become weak links during matches.

Seventeen-year-old Max Sheldon, a four-time crew veteran, underscored the importance of respect and professionalism within the team, stating that understanding tennis deeply and sensing athletes’ needs are crucial. The crew’s composition narrows after the round of 32, when fewer matches call for reduced staffing. Leadership then evaluates members’ professionalism and commitment to uphold the high standards expected.

While most volunteers are local teenagers, some, such as Tai—a pediatrician based in San Diego—return every year, drawn by their love of tennis and the community the position cultivates. Despite being largely invisible to players and spectators during matches, ball crew members take pride in their role as essential contributors to the tournament’s smooth execution.