Models substitute as ball boys in Madrid

MADRID, Spain – Fashion models replaced traditional ball boys in the biggest surprise Monday at the Madrid Masters tennis tournament, where expected winners included Albert Costa, Alex Corretja and Luis Horna.

Women in black tank tops and white, knee-length skirts chased errant shots during Costa’s 6-2, 5-7, 7-5 victory over Irakli Labadze. Reportedly paid $1,100 for the week, the women were greeted by cheers and whistles at the Rockodrome indoor court.

The women are appearing in one televised match each day.

“They did it very well. I didn’t notice any difference,” Costa said. “It’s entertaining, and I like the idea that the tournament should do this.”

He now faces top-seeded Tim Henman in the second round Wednesday.

The top three men in the rankings – Roger Federer, Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt – withdrew, but major champions Andre Agassi and Marat Safin are entered.

Corretja blamed the withdrawals on the sport’s hectic schedule.

“It’s a shame that four or five of the best players are not here,” he said.