Federer, Nadal and Serena to play in exhibition to raise funds for bushfire relief

[January 08, 2020]  (Reuters) - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams are among a number of players who will feature in an exhibition match ahead of this month's Australian Open to raise funds for bushfire relief efforts, organisers announced on Wednesday.

Hundreds of fires have scorched more than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land -- an area the size of South Korea -- killing 26 people and an estimated 500 million animals, and destroying over 1,000 homes.

All funds raised from the two-and-a-half hour event on Jan. 15 at Rod Laver Arena -- called AO Rally for Relief -- will be donated to the relief cause with tickets priced at A$54 ($37.09).

"This unprecedented bushfire crisis is devastating people, properties, communities, livestock and animals across the country and our hearts go out to all those affected," Tennis Australia CEO and tournament Director Craig Tiley said in a statement https://ausopen.com/articles/news/ao-rally-relief-tickets-on-sale.

"We felt it was vital we use all our events across the summer to make a meaningful contribution to help these people and communities rebuild their lives.

"The response from the tennis community... has been overwhelming. The world's top players, boasting many Grand Slam titles between them, have committed to AO Rally for Relief."

Serena Williams of the USA acknowledges the crowd in the trophy ceremony with Bianca Andreescu of Canada after the women’s singles final on day thirteen of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The event is part of the Aces for Bushfire Relief program, in which Tennis Australia is donating $A100 for every ace served at the ATP Cup in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney. Many players have also pledged individually, with French Open champion Ash Barty donating her Brisbane International prize money to the cause.

Nick Kyrgios promised to donate A$200 for every ace he serves this month while NBA great Dirk Nowitzki said he would match the Australian's donation.

The Australian Open begins on Jan. 20.

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengalurum editing by Pritha Sarkar)

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