The „first serve“

Bright-eyed children and plenty of anticipation - the Upper Austria Ladies Linz's popular young talent campaign is entering the next round! The „1,000 tennis rackets for 1,000 girls“ campaign, which was launched at Upper Austria Ladies Linz 2021, is primarily aimed at getting young girls interested in the sport and giving them the unique opportunity to receive a tennis racket. So far, almost 700 girls have already found their way into tennis as a result.

On the final Sunday, 12 April 2026, around 100 girls aged between six and ten will once again have the opportunity to get their own tennis racket. Afterwards, an exciting taster session awaits the participants, where they can experience their first contact with the ball and get to know the sport of tennis in a fun way.

„I want to give as many children as possible access to tennis. Owning a tennis racket is the first important hurdle to overcome. Tennis is a wonderful sport, especially for girls, which is an enrichment for life,“ says Tournament Director Sandra Reichel, explaining the aim of the biggest youth programme in Austrian tennis. It is precisely this fun that Barbara Schett also emphasises: „At this age, the joy of playing tennis should really take centre stage. If it ever becomes more, you can still decide on further steps,“ the former world number seven gives the girls and their parents as advice. 

The campaign aims to do one thing above all else: get children excited about exercise and sport and strengthen the sport of tennis in Austria in the long term. With „1,000 tennis rackets for 1,000 girls“, young tennis fans are given an unforgettable experience and a real chance to discover their passion for the sport and perhaps serve at Upper Austria Ladies Linz at some point. In order to achieve sustainability, there is also the opportunity to establish contacts with tennis clubs in Upper Austria. The girls will receive a participant medal and a bulging goodie bag. Dunlop, the official ball partner of the tournament, LINZ AG and Oberösterreichische Versicherung are also supporting the campaign.

Registrations for 1,000 tennis rackets for 1,000 girls are now open.