Game, set and match – time is called on highly successful Air Serbia Tennis Initiative

• 400 children of all abilities take part in 560 tennis clinics during the summer months
• More than 100 children compete in tournament finale at the Dril Tennis Club
• Tennis Initiative succeeds in aims of instilling children with core sporting and team values

The finale of the Air Serbia Tennis Initiative has taken place with more than 100 children, aged six to ten years old, participating in a special tournament at the Dril tennis club in Belgrade.

The children were split into three groups according to age and experience and the tournament followed International Tennis Federation rules with the use of slower red, orange and green balls designed for youngsters.

In total 12 boys and girls won trophies for their performances during the two day tournament. The taking part aspect, rather than winning, has been the key focus for the initiative, with many children having picked up a racket for the first time this summer.

Dane Kondić, Chief Executive Officer of Air Serbia, said: "The tournament was the perfect ending to the Air Serbia Tennis Initiative which has allowed hundreds of children from across Belgrade to receive professional tennis coaching since July.

"Many talented youngsters have taken to the courts during the coaching clinics and Air Serbia congratulates the coaches and players who have all made so much effort."

The airline’s tennis clinics have proven extremely popular, with hundreds of children from all backgrounds and abilities signing up to receive free lessons at the Novak Training Centre in Belgrade.

The campaign was run in collaboration with professional coaches from the Tennis Federation of Serbia and aimed at providing comprehensive training on all aspects of the game, including serving, the main strokes, as well as on-court strategies.

Dušan Orlandić, Executive Director at the Tennis Federation of Serbia, said: "The Air Serbia Tennis Initiative tournament has been an incredible experience for young and aspiring tennis players in Belgrade.

"We were delighted to see such a strong turnout over the weekend, showing the level of interest and enthusiasm for tennis in Serbia.

"It’s great to see such grassroots initiatives taking place to promote sports and we are delighted to have collaborated closely with Air Serbia to make it possible."