US Open Fan Week began Saturday at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center with a focus on young tennis fans.

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day is an annual event aimed at inspiring the next generation of tennis stars.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the tennis players,” said Aiden Fernandez, a 12-year-old from Woodhaven.

The same goes for 9-year-old Madison Cagata, who said she enjoys “watching all the famous tennis players, like Novak Djokovic when he’s here.”

Stanley Oriala, 12, came with his siblings and parents. He likes “watching the games and experiencing the energy of the players.”

Children of all ages have the opportunity to improve their tennis skills through a variety of games and challenges. Some have never held a racket before. Others are more ambitious.

“I like playing it and I like winning it,” Cagata said. She said she has big dreams, many challenges and to win the Olympics when she is older.

The event, which is free and open to the public, also includes face painting, balloon artists and musical performances – all in honor of the life and legacy of tennis icon Arthur Ashe.

Ashe is the only black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open.

“It’s a very special feeling. This tournament only happens once a year. It’s a very special tournament,” Oriala said. He said Ashe is an inspiration to him and other players of color.

Organizers describe Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day as an effort to bring tennis to the city’s underserved communities.

“We usually try to come every year. To introduce them to different things, because in our nationality there are not so many celebrities, you only hear big people like Serena and Coco,” said Kateri Gonzalez, a mother who came with her children, who are Afro-Latinos.

Fan Week, an opportunity for New Yorkers to enjoy the US Open for free, ends on Sunday. The tournament itself begins on Monday.