Thousands of kids will be ‘ready to play’ as 6,000 brand new Hot Shots Tennis racquets will be given away during Opening Week at the Australian Open, from January 8-12 2024.
“We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate the first Grand Slam of the year and put free racquets into the hands of thousands of kids at the Australian Open,” Tennis Australia Chief Tennis Officer Tom Larner said.
“Having the world’s best players right here, playing in a Grand Slam, gives us an incredible platform to grow interest and participation in tennis. During Opening Week more kids will be given the opportunity to play as they take home their very own racquet.”
Kids can register for a free racquet as they arrive at Melbourne Park and collect from the designated location when they depart. There will be signage and QR codes at entry points explaining how to get involved.*
Opening Week has transformed the AO into a three-week extravaganza of sport and entertainment and the expanded program of events for AO 2024 promises even more opportunities for fans to get closer to their heroes as they prepare for the first Grand Slam of the year.
AO Opening Week includes AO Qualifying, daily Open Practice sessions in Rod Laver Arena between 12-4pm and four star-studded charity matches.
The free racquet giveaway coincides with Tennis Australia’s relaunch of its Hot Shots Tennis program, designed for kids aged 3-10+. The program is a fun way for kids to play and learn tennis.
Background on the new-look Hot Shots Tennis program
- Hot Shots Tennis has gone through an extensive refresh, with the aim of boosting motivation and engagement for kids of all ages
- A new look and feel has been designed to broaden its appeal to kids of all ages, especially at the upper end of the program.
There’s now greater flexibility and choice for the Hot Shots Tennis delivery network with a specific focus on engagement and fun at every stage. There’s also more emphasis on values and life skills to create good people and good players
*Racquets will be distributed on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis, and will be given away each day from Monday 8 to Friday 12 January.