On Tuesday, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced that it will attempt to set the Guinness World Records title for the “Largest Tennis Lesson.” One day before the World Tennis Day exhibitions in New York City, Hong Kong, and London, the event will feature more than 250 children from local youth organizations in the New York area.  The event will be hosted at the USTA Bille Jean King National Tennis Center, which hosts the US Open each summer, from 9:00 A. M. to 9:30 A. M. on Sunday, March 2.  Participating youth organizations include the New York Junior Tennis and Learning and the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education programs, among others.

Designed to inspire enthusiasm for tennis among children, the World's Largest Tennis Lesson will be recognized by a special presentation before the World Tennis Day exhibition at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  This March 3 exhibition, entitled the BNP Paribas Showdown, will feature two-time major champion Andy Murray, six-time major champion Novak Djokovic, world No. 1 doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan, and famous siblings John and Patrick McEnroe.  The Bryan brothers will face the McEnroe brothers in doubles at 7 P. M. on ESPN3, with Murray set to face Djokovic in singles afterward on ESPN2.  The special presentation will occur at 6:15 P. M.

As her son prepares to face Djokovic at Madison Square Garden, Judy Murray will participate in the special presentation and on-court youth tennis demonstration with New York children.  Murray's mother has helped to stimulate interest in tennis among British children with her work for the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and she looks forward to assisting the growth of American tennis this weekend.

“I am excited to be part of the USTA's efforts to enrich the lives of young people,” said Judy Murray.  “It's a fun way for parents to play with their children and encourage them to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.”

Since 2009, World Tennis Day has offered the USTA a platform for facilities to register children for spring and summer programming.  More than 6,500  Youth Tennis events have been held at all levels during that time.  By offering play for children of all ages, the USTA aims to provide an early, positive experience in sports that creates a lifelong commitment to an active lifestyle.

“World Tennis Day is a celebration of our sport and a great platform to bring attention to the importance of getting kids active and ensuring a positive first experience in the sport,” said Dave Haggerty, Chairman, CEO and President of the USTA.  “These efforts are part of USTA’s long-standing commitment to increase access to the sport.  If we reach children when they are young enough, they can learn to love physical activity and tennis for life.”

During the month of March, the USTA will launch thousands of Tennis Play Events nationwide.  These events are geared toward getting more kids to participate in tennis using modified equipment and courts tailored to a child's size.  Youth Tennis attempts to reach children when they are young enough so that they can learn to love physical activity and sports for life.  The goal is to interest them in tennis not just in the short term but the long term.

Families can get playing at a local event or learn more by visiting YouthTennis.com.