Former No.1 Venus Williams got a hero’s welcome to Melbourne Park from all of the Australian Open’s ball kids.

She was joined by little sister Serena, with whom she’s set to play doubles for the first time since the Olympics.

The ball kids were back in action again as World No.1 Angelique Kerber joined fellow defending champion Novak Djokovic for a stroll through the grounds.

The pair had one last photoshoot with their respective trophies before the tournament got underway.

Australia’s Daria Gavrilova had a fun taste at Woolworths Summer Sensorium joined by – you guessed it – more Australian Open ball kids.

Gavrilova was back on the tennis court later for Australian Open Kids Day.

Is that a big enough racquet for you Dasha?!

Gavrilova was joined by a host of ATP stars and a cast of colorful characters.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams got to meet the next generation of Australian stars at a Wilson event with Destanee Aiava and Jaimee Fourlis.

Serena is seeking record-breaking Grand Slam No.23 in Melbourne, as well as a return to World No.1.

British No.1 Johanna Konta was thrilled to be back in Melbourne where her huge breakthrough started.