JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jacksonville is days away from taking center stage under a global spotlight to host the Davis Cup tennis match between America and Brazil.
"It's not every day when we get home ties here in the United States and when we do it's a long process to determine which city we want to go to," said USTA Director of Team Events Derek Fisher.
Jacksonville was chosen among a handful of hosts, Fisher says, because of the beauty of the Jacksonville Memorial Arena. It was no easy feat getting it ready.
"It's a good 24-48 hour process to get it to where we want to do and it's still not done," Fisher said.
About 19 young local tennis hopefuls will be part of the action. They're serving as the ball crew. Coordinator Marshall Knight says the job is a very important one.
"What they're trying to do is help the match go the players speed to play at the players level so they're going to retrieve the balls not do anything to delay the match but actually increase the speed of the match," he said.
Because eyes will be watching from across the world. Players like the No. 1 and No. 2-ranked Bryan brothers are already in town practicing.
"It's a really big deal," said Mary Rose, member of the ball crew. "I didn't think they'd ever come here. When I heard I was like 'I really have to be in this.'"
Fisher agrees, it is a rare opportunity to have a few players come to your city, let alone an entire weekend match.
"Believe me, it's not every day you get these guys here in a city," he said.
Tickets are still available.
