Butterflies in the stomach for the ABN AMRO Open mascots

Of course, the ABN AMRO Open is all about the players, but the turnout during the evening matches with the mascots is always a relief. Mikail Arioz (7) and Saar Schipper (9) stole the hearts of a packed Rotterdam Ahoy on Friday evening when they entered the centre court with Tallon Griekspoor and Emil Ruusuvuori.

'I am so nervous I have butterflies in my stomach, it almost hurts,’ sighs Schipper, who plays for De Vale Ouwe in Putten. She has been waiting for this moment all day. So that everything runs smoothly, first there’s a dress rehearsal half an hour before the evening match between the best Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor and the Finn Ruusuvuori. The instruction for the children mascots is clear :  'wave to the audience, very enthusiastically'.

Arioz and Schipper received the invitation for the evening of their lives two weeks ago. Arioz, who plays at House of Tennis in Veenendaal, had somewhat of a premonition from that moment on. 'I really hoped that I could walk onto centre court with a Dutch player’. And he was right, because in the locker-room Mikail won the toss. First he shouts out 'Sinner', but the Italian doesn't play until later in the evening. 'So Tallon then, because he is Dutch!”

As the players approach in the alleys backstage in Ahoy, anticipation heightens for Saar and Mikail. Saar shakes hands with Emil Ruusuvuori, after which Mikail greets Tallon Griekspoor. A few seconds later, it all begins; the well-known music to which players make their entrance starts. Saar gives her left hand to Ruusuvuori and together they walk hand-in-hand down the stairs towards centre court. Step by step into the light. Then it’s Mikail’s turn. As Tallon Griekspoor’s name is announced, the crowd roars with delight. Mikail is beaming as he walks down in front of Griekspoor. While the players put down their bags, the mascot duo stands at the net waving. After a group photo with the players, Mikail Arioz and Saar Schipper leave centre court. Both children are greeted by their parents, who have already received the first reactions from the home front. Quite a day to remember for Mikail and Saar.