One of the advantages of being the manager of a tennis academy ten minutes away from the US Open is what happened last week, when it was raining and matches got canceled at the Open. Last Wednesday it happened; Paul Annacone, Roger Federer’s coach, was on the line. “Come over, we’ll find a court for him,” I told Annacone.

The phenomenon arrived with an entourage which included Annacone, his trainer, a practice buddy, and his father. “Nice to meet you, Mr Federer,” I introduced myself. “Welcome to the club.”

“Where did your curls go?” Roger surprised me.

“Where do you remember me from?” I asked.

“What do you mean? I remember you when you played Basel, I was your ball boy, you had long and curly hair. Where did your hair go, Gilad?” asked the phenomenon.

So, now I have something to add to my resume; Roger Federer - and he formally acknowledges it as well - was my ball boy.