AS tens of thousands of tennis fans flock to Glasgow for the Davis Cup this weekend, those who missed out on tickets for the sold out tournament are still being offered the chance to soak up the atmosphere.

Fans can watch the event for free on big screens at two venues across the city, as well as taking part in a host of free family events also on offer.

Merchant Square and the Kelvingrove Tennis Centre will both offer people the chance to watch the clash between Great Britain and the USA and see British number one Andy Murray and his teammates go head to head with their American counterparts.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "Since opening its doors in October 2012 the Emirates Arena has played host to a range of world-class sporting events but this weekend sees tennis make its debut.

"This Emirates Arena has been transformed into a temporary tennis venue for the arrival of Andy Murray and company for what is shaping up to be three days of top-class action.

"Not surprisingly the event is already a sell-out but the fan zones will give those who missed out on a ticket the chance to savour what will be an incredible weekend of world-class tennis."

Organised by Glasgow Life and Tennis Scotland, the events will get underway at 1pm each day from today until Sunday, with visitors also being able to put their own tennis skills to the test.

Merchant Square will host Tennis in the Square, which features an interactive skills zone and a speed of serve competition, while the Kelvingrove event, Tennis in the Park, will offer free coaching sessions.

Tennis Scotland Tennis Development Manager, Mike Cohen, said. "Obviously the best way to see the Davis Cup is to be there but this will be a very close second!

"The atmosphere at the Tennis in the Square and Tennis in the Park events will be absolutely fantastic and, not only will you be in a position to see the action on the giant screens, there's other great entertainment on offer as well."

Both of the events will close at 8pm each day.

More than 21,000 tickets have been sold for the three-day Davis Cup tie at the Emirates Arena.

The tournament comes just weeks after Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life unveiled plans to invest £250,000 in five new synthetic tennis courts in Queen's Park as part of their tennis development strategy.