FUTURE Andy Murrays and Serena Williams’ could be hitting their first balls at Liphook Tennis Club in a Lawn Tennis Association-backed scheme to get 10,000 children to play tennis.

Coach Andy Warry, chosen as one of thousands of coaches across Britain for the scheme, is taking 10 children, aged five to eight, through a series of free lessons on Saturday mornings to get them started playing tennis.

At the end of the session they will get a free racquet and it is hoped they develop a love of the game and play into adulthood – inspired by Murray’s second Wimbledon title.

Andy, who lives at Standford, said: “I have just done my fourth week and we do have one or two children who have a real potential but all are keen and enjoy the lessons. We also involve the parents and let them have a go and I hope they will continue to play and, maybe, join the tennis club.

“The Lawn Tennis Association are funding the scheme and the association’s aim was to get 10,000 children across the country playing tennis this summer.

“They now have 15,000 and they are also giving each of them a free racquet.”

To book free lessons, e-mail [email protected] or visit socialtennis.com/liphook.