A day in the life of a Wimbledon ball boy

"Federer is very gentleman-like. Nadal is more wanting to win every point, that sort of passion for the game," he said.

Baker said his debut appearance at Wimbledon last year "was very intimidating but a great experience. I was shivering with nerves the first time."

Being out there in the firing line can be scary and you need lightning-fast reflexes as a ball boy or girl.

Booming server Andy Roddick offers the ultimate test.

"I did Roddick once. You have got to move as soon as you see the ball coming," he said. "You don't realise how hard they are hitting the ball until you have been a ball boy. It is coming straight at you."

And the ball boys and girls have to make sure they pander to the superstitions of top players.

"Maria Sharapova only ever takes the ball from her right side. I was on her left side so I never fed to her," Baker said.