You will spot a Malayalee everywhere, even among Nadal and Medvedev
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Melbourne: When the live telecast of the Australian Open final began, everyone noticed the boy standing between Rafael Nadal and Danil Medvedev. At the time, many wondered he could be a native of Kerala in India. Their suspicions were confirmed correct when the 11-year-old was identified as Joel Roney, son of Roney George of Pezhumkattil, a native of Thidanad, Kerala's Kottayam, who lives in Melbourne.
The young tennis player tossed the coin for Nadal and Medvedev. Joel is a member of the Millpark Tennis Club in Melbourne and competes for them. Roney and his family moved to Melbourne in 2006. He has been practising tennis since the age of five. He was trained by Vasallo tennis coach Julian William Cree.
According to his father Roney the 11-year-old Joel was Victoria's number one in last year's Australian rankings. From 2022, the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) will replace the Australian Tennis Rankings.
"I am happy and proud to be a part of the final where Nadal made history. This tournament was a great experience in my life. I was able to see the legendary stars I adore and take pictures with them," says Joel. Joel's favourite is Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios. Joel's mother Smitha is of Chirackal Manavalan house in Ernakulam's Edappally. He has a sister, Joanne.