Tennis Australia has galvanised the global tennis community to raise funds for bushfire relief with a spectacular tennis charity auction.
Australia’s biggest ever live tennis auction is open now for people around the world to bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and memorabilia, with all proceeds going towards bushfire relief.
Items and experiences including, a photo with the two 2020 Australian Open champions, Naomi Osaka’s shoes from the 2018 US Open final, an hour lesson with Goran Ivanisevic, a private dining experience with Neil Perry for you and six friends, a painting by world No.1 Rafael Nadal and his ATP Cup teammates, Serena Williams’ shoes, signed tennis outfits, signed racquets and live concerts at Melbourne Park are just some of the exclusive items up for grabs with more items to come.
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The tennis community has rallied together across the Australian summer to raise much needed funds for Australian bushfire relief, with more than AUD $5.1 million raised so far through Tennis Australia’s Aces for Bushfire Relief initiative.
Another initiative calls for fans and players to pledge a donation for #Aces4BushfireRelief. Fans can pledge any amount for each ace served by their favourite player during the Australian Open.
The players with the most pledges as of 20 January are Roger Federer (116 pledges for a cumulative $523.35 per ace), Nick Kyrgios (67 pledges for a cumulative $300 per ace), Rafael Nadal (59 pledges for a cumulative $202.50 per ace), and Ash Barty (28 pledges for a cumulative $101 per ace). This is on top of the $100 per ace being pledged by the tennis community for aces served across the Australian Open, ATP Cup, Brisbane International, Adelaide International, Hobart International and Apis Canberra (Bendigo) International.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of the global tennis community, and the way players, officials, fans and other tennis organisations have united to raise money for those affected by the devastating bushfires,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.
“We’re grateful for the terrific response but hope this is just the beginning, as we encourage everyone involved in our event to give generously. The players are responding with either direct donations of cherished personal items or their time, and we will continue to work with our partners, both national and international to contribute to this great cause.
“As we start the Australian Open, our thoughts are with those who have suffered loss and heartbreak due to these terrible fires, and we’ll continue to do everything we can to make a difference and help rebuild lives and communities.”.readfullarticle
