DOWNTON Tennis Club will be holding its annual free open day on Saturday May 19.

This is open to anyone interested in finding out more about playing tennis and about the club and what it has to offer.

This year the open day will be extra special as it will combine with the official opening of three newly re-surfaced outdoor courts which will also now be disabled access friendly.

The club are delighted to announce that ex Davis Cup players, James Auckland and Danny Sapsford will be joining us and will spend the whole day coaching.

This is a unique opportunity for players and non-players alike to learn from Britain’s finest tennis players.

They will also play in a short exhibition match with Downton’s finest.

The Open Day is also a fundraising event.

Auckland was a Davis Cup member during 2006, he is a doubles specialist, and was an occasional partner to Andy Murray.

He reached the third Round at Wimbledon and ranked in the ATP Top 60.

Auckland had doubles wins over the Bryan Brothers.

Sapsford reached 170 and 83 in doubles, representing Great Britain in the Davis Cup from 1990-95.

He competed in all four Grand Slams reaching the third round at Wimbledon before losing to eventual champion, Pete Sampras.

In 1998, Danny became the Men’s National Singles Champion with wins against Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski.

The two players will be at the open day and playing on courts which have now been renewed for first time in 22 years.

Members have worked hard in recent years to accumulate the funds required to go ahead with a

major investment requiring in excess of £30,000.

With the help of Downton Parish Council, the Southern Area board of the county council

and a grant from Persimmion Homes (builders of the new housing development in Wick Lane) the required target was met and work started in March and will finish in early May.

The Open Day will run from 11am until 4pm and anyone with any interest in tennis is encouraged to attend.

As well as coaching from Davis Cup players there will a host of other activities to get involved in including a Speed gun to test your serve and a Tri-tennis® wall for anyone looking to

find the perfect tennis partner.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a racquet as these can be provided.

Refreshments will be available all day and there may even be a TV should you wish to keep an eye on the royal wedding taking place on the same day.