Alex de Minaur, Australia’s No. 1 tennis player, spent a meaningful morning with five lucky children from across the country as part of the AO Holiday Programs presented by Weet-Bix, offering them an unforgettable on-court experience just before the Australian Open 2026 began.

The event was held in Melbourne and attracted tremendous interest, with over thirty-one thousand applications for the limited spots, a significant increase from the previous year, showing just how powerful these kinds of grassroots sport experiences have become for young aspiring players.

De Minaur explained that giving back is something that is very close to his heart and rooted in his own upbringing, reflecting on how the support and inspiration he once received helped shape his lifelong passion for tennis.

“For me, this is something that’s quite close to my heart,” Alex said, noting how vital inspiration was during his formative years and how valued the role models were who encouraged him to pursue sport and healthy living.

The tennis star described how being inspired as a child made a lasting impact, and how he wanted to make sure he passed that same kind of encouragement and opportunity on to the next generation of players.

Throughout the session, Alex worked closely with the children on court, offering personal tips, tactical advice, and encouragement, helping the kids improve their skills and reinforcing the idea that sport teaches not just athletic ability but life lessons too.

The five children who won the experience came from diverse parts of Australia, each buzzing with excitement and eager to meet a professional athlete they had watched on television and dreamed of one day meeting in person.

Parents and guardians who accompanied the lucky children commented on how special it was to see their youngsters interacting with such a high-level player, watching them build confidence and have fun in an atmosphere filled with genuine passion.

Zach, a 17-year-old from Canberra, described his session with De Minaur as a dream come true, expressing how it felt “really cool” to receive advice and encouragement from one of Australia’s top tennis stars.

He said playing tennis with Alex and hearing insights into professional sport was surreal, noting that encouragement from a player at that level helped him feel more confident about his future in the sport.

As the experience came to a close, one of the children quietly whispered something into Alex’s ear, a heartfelt message that left the star visibly moved, his eyes welling with emotion in a rare public display.

The moment underscored just how powerful personal connection and genuine mentorship can be, reminding everyone present that athletes are not only competitors but also human beings capable of inspiring others deeply.

De Minaur said that moments like these remind him why he loves the sport, reflecting on how much it shaped his own life and how meaningful it is to contribute to someone else’s journey.

The event also highlighted the broader goals of the AO Holiday Programs, which are designed to engage children aged five to fifteen in fun, active tennis experiences that build confidence, skills, and friendships.

These programs are run at Tennis Australia-endorsed clubs with qualified coaches, pairing sport with social development, and encouraging physical activity during school holidays in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

Coaches and organizers emphasized how experiences like training with a professional athlete can spark kids’ interest in staying active long-term and reinforce the value of persistence and effort in both sport and life.

As one coach explained, the joy these kids feel from meeting their tennis heroes and learning tips from them goes beyond technical coaching to include confidence building and lifelong motivation.

Parents noted that even simple moments, like a thumbs-up from de Minaur after a rally or a kind word of encouragement, were unforgettable highlights for their children’s tennis journeys.

Alex’s commitment to community and youth development extends beyond this event, as he continues supporting programs that bring sport to children in accessible ways so that talent and enthusiasm can flourish.

The support from Weet-Bix in sponsoring the AO Holiday Programs has helped expand opportunities for thousands of kids nationwide, connecting nutrition, fitness, and community engagement in one impactful initiative.

By partnering with Tennis Australia, Weet-Bix is fostering a culture where sport is both fun and foundational to a healthy, active lifestyle for children and families across the country.

Reflecting on the day, Alex expressed gratitude for the chance to step away from his rigorous training schedule and focus on giving back, reminding everyone that sport isn’t only about winning titles.

For De Minaur, these connections and experiences remind him of why he started playing tennis and how he can use his platform to positively influence others as both a role model and mentor.

The children left the session smiling, families spoke proudly of their achievements, and the organizers celebrated another successful year of bringing elite sport and enthusiastic young players together.

Parents in attendance remarked that the experience had a lasting effect not just on the children’s tennis, but on their confidence, self-belief, and excitement for future challenges.

Zach, still buzzing from his experience, said he would cherish the memories forever and look forward to training harder so he might one day inspire another young player just as Alex had inspired him.

For all involved, the event was far more than tennis drills; it was a moment of connection, inspiration, and shared love for sport that transcended age and skill level.

As the Australian Open began soon after, Alex de Minaur stepped onto the court with renewed energy, buoyed by his meaningful off-court experience with these five young players who now carry new confidence.

The story of this event serves as a reminder that sport has the power to bring people together, inspire dreams, and build bridges between generations eager to learn, play, and grow.

In conclusion, the AO Holiday Programs presented by Weet-Bix offered these children more than just an on-court session; they were given memories, mentorship, and a sense of possibility that will stay with them forever.

The joy, emotion, and inspiration shared that day made clear that giving back, as Alex de Minaur said, is truly time-well-spent when it changes young lives for the better.