Cincinnati, Ohio: For Bradly D’Souza, success is not defined by recognition, awards or personal achievements, but by commitment, service and the joy of helping others.
D’Souza has completed 18 years as a member of the Cincinnati Open Ball Crew, continuing a tradition of service that has taken him back to the tournament year after year despite now living in California.
The Cincinnati Open highlighted his remarkable longevity during this year’s tournament, noting that although he is based in California, he continues to travel across the country to return to the event that has become an important part of his life.
163 hours of volunteer service
From August 11 to 23, 2026, D’Souza contributed 163 volunteer hours, serving as a Ball Person across 63 sets of professional tennis.
His commitment saw him serve on Center Court, supporting players and working alongside fellow Ball Crew members as millions of tennis fans followed the tournament.
For D’Souza, however, the experience has never been about being in the spotlight.
“I’ve grown up with the tournament. I’m here day and night until the end,” he said.
His words reflect a commitment that has transformed volunteering from an occasional activity into an 18-year tradition.
Teamwork behind the tennis action
Ball Crew members play an important role behind the scenes of professional tennis. Their responsibilities require concentration, anticipation, discipline, teamwork and effective communication.
D’Souza highlighted the importance of understanding among team members, particularly through non-verbal communication, which allows them to support players without disrupting the flow of a match.
He said good communication and chemistry on court play an important role in ensuring that the team can effectively take care of the players.
The values he has developed through the Ball Crew extend beyond the tennis court, reflecting the importance of teamwork and responsibility in everyday life.
Balancing career and volunteering
Based in California, D’Souza has built a professional career with Tesla spanning more than 12 years and travels extensively around the world.
Despite his professional responsibilities and the distance from Cincinnati, he continues to return to the tournament each year.
The Cincinnati Open has recognised longtime Ball Crew members such as D’Souza as an important part of the community surrounding the tournament. Their continued commitment helps maintain the tradition and spirit of the event.
A tournament filled with champions
The 2026 Cincinnati Open concluded with Arthur Fils winning the men’s singles title and Coco Gauff claiming the women’s singles championship.
Fils defeated Frances Tiafoe to win his first ATP Masters 1000 title, while Gauff defeated Jessica Pegula to secure her second Cincinnati title.
Behind the performances of the tournament’s celebrated players were hundreds of individuals whose contributions helped the event run smoothly, including the Ball Crew members who supported the matches throughout the tournament.
A lesson in consistency and commitment
Bradly D’Souza is the older son of international inspirational speaker and survivor advocate Harold D’Souza, who sees his son’s long-standing commitment as an example of character and discipline.
Harold D’Souza described Bradly’s qualities through seven values: Consistency, Continuity, Change, Creativity, Courage, Compassion and Commitment.
According to Harold, these qualities are reflected not merely in words but in Bradly’s actions over the years.
For him, seeing his son continue serving on Center Court represents something much larger than tennis. It demonstrates the value of showing up, remaining grounded and giving back without expecting recognition in return.
Greatness beyond trophies
Bradly’s journey offers a message particularly relevant to younger generations: achievement does not always require a trophy, title or spotlight.
Sometimes, greatness lies in returning to the same responsibility year after year and approaching it with the same enthusiasm and dedication.
His philosophy can be summed up as: “Age is just a number. Aim High, Achieve Higher and Aspire Happiness.”
After 18 years with the Cincinnati Open Ball Crew, 163 volunteer hours in 2026 and 63 sets of tennis, D’Souza’s journey represents loyalty, discipline, teamwork and service.
His story serves as a reminder that success is not simply about reaching the centre stage, but also about returning with humility, serving with purpose and leaving a positive impact wherever one goes.
