Children a focus at openings of 2024 Adelaide International Tennis Tournament and Australian Open

January 11, 2024

Karen Sweaney

Children are a focus at this year’s opening week of tennis tournaments in Adelaide and Melbourne with family activities, children’s challenges and offers of free racquets.

The 2024 Adelaide International Tennis Tournament which runs from 8^th to 13^th January, saw ticket sales for the Kids’ Day surpass sales in 2023.

More than 4,400 tickets were secured for this year’s Kids’ Day, held on 8^th January, with a program of free family fun on offer at the new Vibe at The Drive precinct on Pinky Flat. Tickets to Kids’ Day 2024 started from $10 with children offered free entry.

Kids’ Day offered giant lawn games under the shade of the trees opposite The Drive, inflatable games and other activities including face painting, balloon making, a newly developed colouring in station, and even the chance to pick up a racquet and have a go at Hot Shots Tennis.

This year also saw the addition of a water slide.

Tennis SA Chief Executive and Adelaide International General Manager Debbie Sterrey advised Kids’ Day is about encouraging families to spend the day together, providing them everything they need to have a good time.

Sterrey shared “the Adelaide International Kids’ Day is providing families with lots of free activities for the kids to keep them entertained and give the adults perhaps the opportunity to experience world class tennis for the first time.

“The day has been designed to attract and entertain families seeking a fun day out together over the summer break.”

Kids’ Day was also day one of action at the Adelaide International with their general admission tickets allowing them courtside.

Commenting on Kid’s Day, Alicia Molik, Tournament Director Adelaide International shared “returning home to direct my first Adelaide International is really something special.

“I grew up in Adelaide and I can’t remember how many trips to The Drive I took growing up.

“I am thrilled to know we have so many families coming out to The Drive today.

“With the Adelaide International I’ve come full circle. It’s a real privilege to come back and be a part of this event.

Yesterday Tennis SA also held the Red Ball Challenge at the Adelaide International which saw over 100 children given the opportunity to have a hit on the grass courts at the Adelaide International, with a special appearance from Marta Kostyuk and Elena Rybakina.

Children attending Australian Open Opening Week (currently underway) can register for a free racquet as they arrive at Melbourne Park and collect from the designated location when they depart.

6000 brand new Hot Shots Tennis racquets are being given away and will be distributed on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis, each day this week.

Tennis Australia Chief Tennis Officer Tom Larner enthused “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.

“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 AO Opening Week more kids will be given the opportunity to play as they take home their very own racquet.”

The free racquet giveaway coincides with Tennis Australia’s relaunch of its Hot Shots Tennis program, designed for children aged 3-10+. The program is a fun way for children to play and learn tennis.

Kids Tennis Day will be returning to the Australian Open on Saturday 13th January presenting a wonderland of activities and entertainment for families.

Images from top: Red Ball Challenge at the Adelaide International. Credit Tennis SA; A Hot Shots Tennis participant on court. Credit: Tennis Australia; Promo for Kids Day at Australian Open

About the author

Karen Sweaney

Co-founder and Editor, Australasian Leisure Management

Artist, geoscientist and specialist writer on the leisure industry, Karen Sweaney is Editor and co-founder of Australasian Leisure Management.

Based in Sydney, Australia, her specific areas of interest include the arts, entertainment, the environment, fitness, tourism and wellness.

She has degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and Geological Oceanography from UNSW.

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