Federer, Serena headline Aussie bushfire charity match
MELBOURNE: Superstars Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal will headline an exhibition match ahead of the Australian Open to raise money for bushfire relief, organisers said Wednesday.
Dozens of vast blazes, which continue to burn across eastern Australia, have killed 25 people since the start of the disaster in September and destroyed more than 1,800 homes.
Milder conditions are providing a reprieve for firefighters, although more dangerous weather is forecast for later in the week.
Tennis Australia last week announced a fundraising exhibition match at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena – centre court at the Australian Open – for Jan 15, the week before the opening Grand Slam of the year.
The players were revealed Wednesday with Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas joining Federer, Williams and Nadal.
“For a period of about two-anda-half hours we’re going to be showcasing the game, but also coming together as a community to play our part in the relief effort,” said Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley.
For a period of about two-and-a-half hours we’re going to be showcasing the game, but also coming together as a community to play our part in the relief effort.
Craig Tiley
The devastation has seen a host of sports stars pledge money, with more than A$1.2 million ( US$820,000) raised so far from an initiative by tennis chiefs to donate A$100 for each ace served during the Australian summer. — AFP