AS TENNIS fever begins to grip the nation in the run-up to Wimbledon, tennis clubs across Winchester are preparing for a smashing weekend.

The first of four Great British Tennis Weekend’s will take place this Saturday and Sunday (May 17-18), with cardio, mini and disability tennis and coaching at Winchester Racquets and Fitness, Littleton, Wickham and Denmead Tennis Clubs.

It comes as part of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Tennis Foundation’s drive to get more people playing more often, with venues providing equipment.

Zoe Bambridge, LTA tennis development manager for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “We are really excited that the Great British Tennis Weekends are hitting Winchester this summer. I hope families take the opportunity to take part in these fantastic events and ready themselves for what is set to be Winchester’s biggest ever summer of tennis, as we get behind Andy Murray and the British tennis stars.”

The other three Great British Tennis Weekends are on June 21-22, 28-29 and July 19-20.

To sign up and book online in advance, go to greatbritishtennisweekend.com.