MELBOURNE, January 11, 2019 (AO Press Release)

World No.1 and six-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka will join a host of top players, singer Guy Sebastian and much-loved children’s characters at the seventh annual Kids Tennis Day presented by ANZ Tennis Hot Shotstomorrow.

Djokovic and Azarenka will be joined by world No.4 and US Open champion Naomi Osaka, world No.17 Milos Raonic, world No.21 Grigor Dimitrov and world No.25 Hyeon Chung who will delight young fans with some fast, furious and fun tennis action as they show off their skills in a series of stunts and drills as part of the Rod Laver Arena Spectacular between 11.00-11.45am.

Popular entertainer Guy Sebastian will perform a set of his show-stopping hits and topping off the star-studded line-up will be popular children’s characters Peppa Pig and family, Hey Duggee, Octonauts and PJ MASKS plus many more; on centre court, performing stage shows in Garden Square and roaming the grounds across the course of the day.

There will also be plenty of action around the grounds at the AO Ballpark with a huge interactive kids’ zone that features a Godzilla Waterslide, Super Soaker Blast splash zone, rock climbing wall, ANZ Tennis Hot Shots and much more.

Plus the Emirates Family Sanctuary, a newly-created and dedicated space for young tennis fans to play and experience the Australian Open with their parents, with a range of fun activities including a huge LEGO play zone, as well as live tennis matches and classic children’s movies on the big screen, and a variety of healthy refreshments.

Kids Tennis Day highlights include:

8.30 am – 4.30 pm 

·         8:30 am – Gates open

·         8:30 am – 10:30am – New Balance activation on Court 5 with a host of New Balance ambassadors

·         9:30 am – 4:30 pm – Live stage shows featuring Peppa Pig and family, Hey Duggee, Octonauts, PJ MASKS and the Ben and Holly Show

·         11:00-11:45 am – Rod Laver Arena Spectacular featuring Novak Djokovic, Victoria Azarenka, Naomi Osaka, Mios Raonic, Grigor Dimitrov, and Hyeon Chung and a performance by Guy Sebastian

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

·         AO Ballpark – an interactive kids’ zone featuring exciting new activations and attractions

·         See the world’s best in action with player practice sessions open to the public

·         Australian Open Trophies – the chance to be photographed with theDaphne Akhurst Memorial Cup and Norman Brooks Challenge Cup.

·         10:00 am Haagen-Dazs ambassador Grigor Dimitrov serving ice cream to fans at the Infinity Room