By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Tennis stars stood with Australian firefighters in an emotional and entertaining AO Rally for Relief that raised more than $4.8 million for Australia's bushfire relief.
Photo credit: Australian Open Facebook
Tennis stars stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Australian heroes in an emotional and entertaining Rally for Relief.
Nick Kyrgios asked firefighters in the front row for advice before serving.
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Rafael Nadal played doubles alongside volunteer firefighter Deb Borg and enthusiastic fans stood and saluted firefighters with applause echoing throughout a packed Rod Laver Arena.
Players came together for a cause—and fans responded as the Australian Open's Rally for Relief exhibition raised AU $4.8 million for Australia's bushfire relief effort.
Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, Coco Gauff, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev were are among the players headlining the fund raiser.
Kyrgios led player response nearly two weeks ago with a tweet pledging $200 for every ace he hits during the Australian summer season to the relief cause then urging the Australian Open and fellow players to unite for a fundraiser.
The mercurial Aussie battled Federer in a one-set exhibition. Kyrgios took a 4-2 lead before Federer rallied to take the set in a tie break. Afterward, the pair spoke about the power of giving and trying to help the healing effort for a nation ravaged by fire, which have hit Melbourne with smoke-soaked air creating the most hazardous air conditions in the world.
"It's been an emotional couple of weeks," said Kyrgios, whose hometown of Canberra has been damaged by the bushfires. "Through ATP Cup it was practically why I was playing so hard, you know. I wanted to send a message.
"Back home when I was in Canberra I couldn't even go outside it was emotional and I'm just so happy that we had Roger, Novak, Rafa, some of the greats to get behind it and everyone around the world. At the moment the awareness has grown and I thikn we're doing everything we possibly can to overcome this together."
Bushfires have ravaged Australia killing dozens of people, an estimated millions of animals and destroying thousands of homes.
“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 Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said. “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—our players, clubs, partners and international tennis bodies—has been overwhelming and it’s wonderful to see everyone pull together."
Iconic rivals Federer and Nadal, who squared off in an epic 2017 Australian Open final, partnered giving back with a $250,000 donation to bushfire relief.
"Talking with Roger a couple of hours ago, we decided to give $250,000 to the bushfire relief," Nadal said prompting a rousing ovation from Rod Laver Arena fans.
A highlight of the evening saw Nadal join forces with fellow lefty and fan-favorite firefighter Deb in a mixed doubles match vs. Tsitsipas and Wozniacki that saw the king of clay celebrate one point with an enthusiastic hug for his new partner.
Buddies Serena Williams and Wozniacki captained opposing all-star squads to launch the event in Fast4 format fashion. Wozniacki selected a youth brigade squad starring reigning Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, ATP Finals champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev and Coco Gauff.
Williams went for heavy star power recruiting Nadal, Djokovic, Dominic Thiem and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova to her squad.
The Rally For Relief exhibition is part of Tennis Australia's Aces for Bushfire Relief fund-raisers. This TA initiative pledges $100 donation for every ace served at: the Australian Open, ATP Cup in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, Brisbane International, Adelaide International, Hobart International and Apis Canberra International (which has moved from Canberra to Bendigo due to the bushfires).
To donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery effort please visit this link.