AUSTRALIA BUSHFIRE: Tennis Stars Offer To Raise Fund With Exhibition Match

A number of the world’s top tennis stars, including Serena Williams,Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, have agreed to play in an exhibition match to raise funds for Australia’s bushfire relief.

The trio, who have 62 grand slam titles between them, will be joined by Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, Nick Kyrgiosand Stefanos Tsitsipas, it was confirmed on Wednesday.

According to CNN, the scheduled to take place on January 15 at Melbourne Park’s Rod Laver Arena, the Australian Open Rally for Relief will donate proceeds from ticket sales — priced at $37 (54 AUSD) for adults and $24 (35 AUSD) for concessions — to the bushfire relief efforts.

At least 24 people have been killed by the fires in Australia. Nearly 18 million acres of land have been burned as the country faces its worst blazes in decades.

This unprecedented bushfire crisis is devastating people, properties, communities, livestock and animals across the country and our hearts go out to all those affected,” said Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley in a statement.

“The response from the tennis community — our players, clubs, partners and international tennis bodies — has been overwhelming and it’s wonderful to see everyone pull together.

“The players are keen to be involved — we’ve had a tremendous response from them and they are keen to help.”

Kyrgios kick-started tennis’ fundraising efforts last week when he pledged $140 (200 AUSD) for every ace he hits at upcoming tournaments with a number of other players since joining him.

Tennis Australia will also donate $69 (100 AUSD) for every ace hit across six tournaments, including the Australian Open, as well as granting $700,000 (1 million AUSD) to help rebuild tennis facilities damaged in the bushfires.

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is matching Tennis Australia’s $69 donation for every ace hit at the Brisbane International, Auckland’s ASB Classic, the Adelaide International and the Hobart International.

Maria Sharapova, who has been granted wildcard entry for the Australian Open, has donated $17,400, with world No. 2 Novak Djokovic agreeing to match her.

Sharapova also announced on Wednesday that she had left 10 signed pairs of her tennis shoes in her Brisbane hotel that members of the public could buy with a $206 (300 AUSD) donation to the Australian Red Cross.

It’s not only tennis stars who have pitched in with their support.