Federer, Nadal, Williams Among Tennis Players to Take Part in Fundraiser for Australian Bushfires

AAP
By AAP
January 8, 2020Sports News
share
Federer, Nadal, Williams Among Tennis Players to Take Part in Fundraiser for Australian Bushfires
(L) Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts with tears as he watches a surprise video. (Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images) (C) Rafael Nadal of Spain addresses the media during a visit to Rottnest Island ahead of the 2020 ATP Cup Group Stage at RAC Arena on Jan. 01, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Paul Kane/Getty Images) (R) Serena Williams of the U.S. reacts after a point against Camila Giorgi of Italy during their women's singles first round match during the Auckland Classic tennis tournament in Auckland on Jan. 7, 2020. (Michael Bradley/AFP via Getty Images)

Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Nick Kyrgios will headline a charity event ahead of the Australian Open that will have a new air quality policy as organisers grapple with issues related to the bushfire crisis.

Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley announced on Wednesday that the Rally for Relief will be held on Rod Laver Arena on the evening of January 15 with proceeds going to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniaki and Stefanos Tsitsipas will also take part in Rally for Relief, with more players to be announced.

“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,” Tiley said

“I’m really proud of the playing group because the number of calls and emails I’ve got with everyone stepping forward and either giving money or making themselves available.

“The format is going to be pretty cool … it’s going to be a combination of fun and seriousness.

“We’ll see some doubles, we’ll see some singles, some target hitting and opportunities to raise more money on the night.

“We’ll see the players having a lot of fun,” Tiley added.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster with all proceeds going to bushfire disaster relief charities.

Kyrgios made headlines last week after he vowed to donate $200 per ace that he hits during his matches.

2020 ATP Cup
Nick Kyrgios of Australia plays a backhand in his match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day five of the ATP Cup Group Stage at Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, Australia, on Jan. 07, 2020. (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Australian Open is to go ahead as scheduled with an air quality policy in place, Tiley said, after concerns had been raised about the potential for smoke from bushfires burning in Victoria’s east to affect the health of players and fans.

“This is a new experience for not only us but across the world in this sport,” Tiley said.

“But we lead the world with the extreme heat policy and we expect to do the same around air quality.

“We do have three stadiums with roofs so play will always continue.

“But what will be new is that we will have some real-time (air quality) monitoring on-site … and we’ll use that analysis to make some decisions around the safety and well-being of players and fans.

“… I think the players understand that this is not something that we can do anything about and they’ve been gracious and very cooperative.

“They want to play.”

By Jason Phelan

ntd newsletter icon
Sign up for NTD Daily
What you need to know, summarized in one email.
Stay informed with accurate news you can trust.
By registering for the newsletter, you agree to the Privacy Policy.
Comments