BORIS Johnson will today launch a £30million drive to boost tennis and create more champs like Emma Raducanu.
Parks across the UK will get a share of the cash to refurbish 4,500 public courts.
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A further £30million a year will go to schools to upgrade or build new sports facilities.
The PM has stumped up the new money in a bid to harness the enthusiasm sparked by 18-year-old Emma’s stunning US Open victory last month.
He wants to open up the sport to people of all backgrounds as part of his “levelling up” agenda.
Tennis is often seen as a preserve of the middle-class and while park courts are more accessible to those who want to pick up a racket, almost half of them are in a dilapidated state.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries will announce £22million of government funding, backed by £8.5million from the Lawn Tennis Association for council sites.
She said: “I want more people to follow in Emma’s footsteps and find success on the court, whether that’s winning an international tournament or just picking up a racket to keep fit.”
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi added: “Sport plays a vital role in the education of our children and helps to build character and broaden their opportunities. This funding shows we are serious about improving access to quality sports facilities to keep kids active.”
