Carsten Ball
A powerful left-handed serve-and-volleyer who carried the flag for Australian tennis in Grand Slam doubles after switching allegiance from the United States.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Australian tennis player·Birthday: June 20·Millennials
Biography
Carsten Ball brought an old-school, attacking style to the modern tennis tour, a 6'5" lefty with a thunderous serve and a net-rusher's instinct. Born in Newport Beach, California, to Australian tennis professional Syd Ball, he grew up in the US system but chose to represent his father's homeland professionally. His game was built for fast surfaces, where his big lefty delivery and crisp volleys could do the most damage. While his singles career saw him crack the top 120, his most significant impact came in doubles. Partnering with fellow Aussie Chris Guccione, Ball became a formidable force, reaching the finals of the 2009 US Open and the 2010 Australian Open. Their run was a shot in the arm for Australian tennis, providing a presence in major finals during a period of relative scarcity. Ball's career, which also included a Davis Cup stint for Australia, exemplifies the global pathways in professional sports and the enduring effectiveness of aggressive, net-centered tennis.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Carsten was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Carsten Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Carsten's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Reached the men's doubles final at the 2009 US Open and the 2010 Australian Open with Chris Guccione.
- Won the 2009 ATP Los Angeles singles title as a qualifier, defeating higher-ranked players like John Isner.
- Represented Australia in Davis Cup competition, playing both singles and doubles rubbers.
- Achieved a career-high ATP doubles ranking of World No. 47 in 2010.
Did You Know?
His father, Syd Ball, was an Australian tennis player who reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 1974 and 1977.
He won the 2005 Australian Open boys' doubles title with countryman Thiemo de Bakker.
Ball is a natural left-hander but plays tennis with a two-handed backhand.
He initially represented the United States in junior tournaments before switching to Australia upon turning professional.
“My game is serve and volley. I'm going to come in and make you play a passing shot.”
