Hervey Bay QLD 4655, Australia, 16 October 2014 | Tennis Australia

People of all ages and tennis abilities are encouraged to take part in THE GREAT TENNIS-TACULAR this Saturday 18 October at Hervey Bay’s Seafront Oval from 11am to 2:30pm.

THE GREAT TENNIS-TACULAR is a series of events sweeping the nation giving every Australian the chance to play tennis. Whether new to the game or an aspiring Australian Open champion, everyone is invited to pick up a racquet and have a hit.

As part of the event, the general public can Hit the Target, a fun new tennis activity offering one male and one female participant the chance to join the world’s best tennis players on Rod Laver Arena at Kids Tennis Day, Saturday 17 January ahead of Australian Open 2015.

Two-time Grand Slam mixed doubles finalist and Australian Davis Cup representative Paul Hanley will stop by Seafront Oval to make a special guest appearance.

The 36-year-old, who announced his retirement just last month, peaked at a world doubles ranking of No.5, captured 26 ATP doubles titles – including three Masters crowns – and reached a further 25 ATP finals.

He will meet and greet the local community, play ANZ Tennis Hot Shots and sign autographs on Saturday.

Other activities for the day include exclusive photo opportunities with the Australian Open trophies and Terry the Tennis Ball, plenty of prizes and giveaways plus the community can play ANZ Tennis Hot Shots, Speed Serve and Cardio Tennis.

The GREAT TENNIS-TACULAR is part of the AO Tennis Blitz, the largest participation campaign in Australian tennis history, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to pick up a racquet and have a hit.

To find out more visit tennis.com.au, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.