Brisbane, 23 November 2010 | tennis.com.au

The exciting summer of tennis is just around the corner and to take it to a whole new level, the first nationwide Australian Open Trophy Tour has hit the road and will visit Brisbane on Tuesday 23 November 2010.

To welcome the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup (men’s trophy) and Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup (women’s trophy) to Brisbane, local five to 12 year olds will be showcasing their tennis skills, and will enjoy a hit of tennis with Australian tennis greats Evonne Goolagong Cawley (Australian Open singles champion, 1974 to1976, and doubles champion 1971, 1974, 1975, 1976) and Ashley Cooper (Australian Open singles champion 1957 and 1958, and doubles champion 1978).

MLC Tennis Hot Shots Ambassador and former world No.8 Alicia Molik said, “Bringing the magnificent Australian Open trophies to regional areas and cities across Australia is a great way to build the excitement and get everyone thinking about the Australian Open in January.”

“I wish MLC Tennis Hot Shots was around when I was starting out. I have no doubt it will help inspire our tennis stars of the future.

“The MLC Tennis Hot Shots program lets kids learn the sport quickly and easily, build their confidence and also gets them active through playing sport.

“Using the modified equipment makes it easier for beginners to start playing the game, and it is a great way to introduce kids to tennis.”

For the first time in Australian Open history the winner of the men’s and women’s singles titles will take home an exact full-size replica trophy instead of the miniature replica past champions have received.

The Brisbane leg of the Australian Open Trophy Tour coincides with Tennis Queensland’s Festival of Tennis at the Queensland Tennis Centre from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Tennis fans are invited to attend this free event and feel like a Grand Slam® champion as they enjoy their very own photo opportunity with the Australian Open Trophies, enjoy an AFL v NRL “battle of the codes” tennis match (featuring Brisbane Lions Simon Black and Clark Keating, and Brisbane Broncos Nick Kenny and Cory Parker). Participants can also participate in fun tennis activities and the MLC Tennis Hot Shots program.

“The Australian Open Trophy Tour gives Queenslanders an opportunity to come in contact with national iconic trophies,” Cameron Pearson, CEO of Tennis Queensland said.

“The tour celebrates tennis and recognises the significance of one of the greatest sporting events in our country, the Australian Open.”

Following the Brisbane visit the trophies will head to the Gold Coast, Rockhampton and Bendigo before finishing their journey at Melbourne Park on January 17, day one of Australian Open 2011.

Fans can follow the trophies around the country online by visiting australianopen.com.au/trophy