Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Ahead of his 20th Australian Open campaign, Lleyton Hewitt will headline the fourth annual Kids Tennis Day presented by Nickelodeon on Saturday 16 January at Melbourne Park.

Hewitt will be joined by some of the world’s best tennis players as well as Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Patrick Star and entertainers for some fun on centre court at the Rod Laver Arena Spectacular next month.

Throughout the day kids will have the chance to experience tennis and play ANZ Tennis Hot Shots with qualified coaches, see Nickelodeon character stage shows, watch players practice and visit Grand Slam Oval ahead of the tournament’s first day.

“Kids Tennis Day is about engaging, introducing and educating the next generation about tennis and the Australian Open in a fun, relaxed way,” Hewitt said.

“I was fortunate enough to be involved in the game at a young age, receiving coaching, playing at a club and visiting the Australian Open every year.

“I made a point of spending time around the practice courts watching the big names go about their business. It was fun and enjoyable and that is the best way for parents to approach their children playing, by making sure they enjoy themselves as it will help them to learn easily.”

Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia CEO added: “Kids Tennis Day presented by Nickelodeon is the country’s biggest kids’ event of the summer and it continues to introduce families to tennis.

“In 2015 almost 14,500 fans attended Kids Tennis Day. It’s a day that brings some of the greats of our sport together with the future generation to drive the message that tennis is a sport for life. It’s all about picking up a racquet and having a go no matter what age or ability.”

Kids Tennis Day presented by Nickelodeon runs from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturday 16 January at Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open.

Tickets are selling fast via Ticketek. Kids under the age of 16 are FREE but will require a ticket to enter. Adults are $15. Ground passes will be available to purchase should the Rod Laver Arena Spectacular sell out.

Highlights of Kids Tennis Day presented by Nickelodeon include:

Rod Laver Arena Spectacular – exhibition match from 12.00 pm to 1.00 pm featuring Lleyton Hewitt and the world’s best tennis players, Nickelodeon characters and entertainers on centre court

Nickelodeon character stage shows in Garden Square

New Balance activation on Court 5 with a host of New Balance ambassadors in attendance

Watch the world’s best practice – practice sessions open to the public

ANZ Tennis Hot Shots – kids of all ages and abilities will have the chance to play tennis with qualified coaches

Speed serve – test the speed of your serve

Free Australian Tennis Magazine 4 Kids and a Sharpie pen for all children

Australian Open trophies – the chance to be photographed with the coveted Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup and Norman Brookes Challenge Cup

Grand Slam Oval – open from 8.00 am to 12.00 pm offering families the opportunity to have a sneak peek at Australian Open sponsor activations and the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Fan Zone ahead of Day 1

Australian Open 2016 qualifying – play will commence at 12.00 pm at Melbourne Park

Don’t miss Kids Tennis Day around Australia at some of the Emirates Australian Open Series events:

Suncorp Kids Tennis Day at Brisbane International
Sunday 3 January 2016
ticketek.com.au/brisbaneinternational

Apia International Sydney Kids Tennis Day presented by Nickelodeon
Sunday 10 January 2016
ticketek.com.au/sydneyinternational

Kids’ World at Australian Open Festival
New for 2016, the Australian Open Festival at Birrarung Marr will feature Kids’ World, open daily from 18 to 31 January between 9.00 am and 7.00 pm.

Kids can experience Nickelodeon’s giant inflatable playground, meet and greet characters and visit the world famous Slime Lab. The Woolworths Kids Zone will feature fun ballkid challenges plus kids will be able to pick up a racquet at the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots mini courts.

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.