New Delhi, Jan. 30 -- Ball kids make an essential part of every tennis tournament, and it is no different for the Australian Open. However, for years, their treatment on the court has been debated - while some players shoot them a warm smile, many act like they are invisible. And if, by virtue of being humans, the ball kids don't reach the court in seconds, they are often subjected to the frustration of the players.

According to an Essentially Sports report, the Australian Open is employing around 435 ball kids, aged between 12 and 15, to help keep the "Happy Slam" running smoothly.

However, in a rare call for change, a former tennis pro is not happy to see how the ball kids at the Australian Open are treated, and has called on tourname...