Streatham's Louis Farquharson is counting down the days until he gets to rub shoulders with tennis superstars Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, writes Sam Green.

After winning a nationwide competition Graveney School pupil Farquharson will be one of the 30 Barclays Ball Kids on court at the O2 Arena in London when the event kicks off on November 21.

The 14-year-old beat off competition from 1600 children nationwide to win his spot as a tournament ball-boy and will now share the small screen with the world’s top eight players as they collide in tennis’ season finale.

And after honing his skills at a week-long training camp, despite nursing a broken collarbone, at The Hampshire Rackets & Health Club in Southampton during half-term, Farquharson admits he can’t wait for his moment in the spotlight.

“I really enjoyed the training camp and learning all the different skills and I just can’t wait to get to the finals now,” said Farquharson.

“I broke my collarbone playing rugby a few weeks ago and so it was a little bit difficult doing the training but I will be ok for the finals and I am really looking forward to it.

“Roger Federer is the player I am looking forward to seeing most because I think it will be amazing to watch and hopefully to meet him as well.”

Over 20,000 spectators a day will see Farquharson in action at the eight-day season finale, which sees the cream of world tennis go head-to-head for total prize money of nearly three million pounds.

And former British No. 1 and Barclays Ball Kids ambassador Mark Petchey believes the experience will be a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for the Streatham youngster.

“To be a Barclays Ball Kid at an event like the ATP World Tour Final is a real privilege,” said Petchey – a former coach of current world No. 4 Andy Murray.

“I remember when I was younger I was a ball kid at Davis Cup ties and it was a fantastic experience and a huge help on my career.

“It gave me the opportunity to watch good players at the back of the court, at the net and I could really feel the pace of the game, so it will certainly be an experience Louis will never forget.”

* For information on how to become a Barclays Ball Kid at the 2011 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London visit www.barclaysballkids.com