Australian Open secures partner for new initiative

Australian government-owned organisation the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is to become a partner of a new initiative that will take place at the 2015 Australian Open grand slam tennis tournament.

Under the deal, the TAC will link up with the Tennis Australia national governing body to give fans the opportunity to play on one of the courts used during the Australian Open.

Court nine, which is used for both matches and practice during the event, will be renamed the ‘People’s Court’, with competitors able to take part in a tournament-like playing experience. The sessions will include a chair umpire, statistician, ball kids and various court services.

TAC will present the initiative as part of a wider effort to highlight road safety. The organisation will also organise various other activities at the tournament to help promote its ongoing campaign.

The 2015 Australian Open will take place at Melbourne Park from January 19 until February 1.