Two legends are bringing one of tennis’ biggest charity events to London for the first time as longtime friends Billie Jean King and Sir Elton John will host Mylan World TeamTennis Smash Hits to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation on Sunday, Dec. 7, on finals day of the Statoil Masters Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall.
Former world No. 1s John McEnroe and Kim Clijsters, former British No. 1 Tim Henman and last year’s Wimbledon runner-up Sabine Lisicki will headline the lineup which features two teams, coached by King and John playing a Mylan World TeamTennis match. The one-night event will be staged during the final session of the IMG-owned Statoil Masters Tennis tournament.
"More than 20 years ago when we started Smash Hits we envisioned an event with a global presence," King said. "Now with the support of Mylan and the continued commitment from Elton and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we are able to expand our reach and bring this wonderful evening of tennis to a new audience."
Elton John, Founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation adds, “Everyone knows I love tennis, and Mylan WTT Smash Hits is always such a great day. I thank our sponsors, Mylan, Billie, and all our friends in the tennis world who are supporting us. We believe that together we can all help create an AIDS-free future, and proceeds from the London event will help us get closer to realising that goal, by giving access to life saving treatment to more people living with HIV in Africa.”
Since 1993, Mylan WTT Smash Hits has raised more than $12 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and various local AIDS charities throughout the United States. This is the first time in the event’s 22-year history that it will be staged outside the U.S.
Tennis action is set for 6 p.m. and Team Elton has the edge in the overall series 11-10 after defeating Team Billie Jean in Orlando, Fla., in 2013.
Tickets are available from £18.50 through www.WTTSmashHits.com, www.statoilmasterstennis.com or through the Royal Albert Hall Box Office on +44 (0) 20 7070 4404.
Sponsorship and Group VIP packages are also available by contacting Natalee Jarrett at [email protected] or 212-586-3444 x.111.
For more information on the Elton John AIDS Foundation and how you can help create an AIDS-free future, go to ejaf.org/London.