Tennis Australia set to raise money for bushfire relief following Nick Kyrgios’ call

Nick Kyrgios called on Tennis Australia to help fire-affected communities in the lead-up to the Australian Open. And he might just get his wish, with the administrative body set to unveil several fundraising initiatives.

Tennis Australia is poised to unveil a string of initiatives to help fire-ravaged communities after Nick Kyrgios called for a special exhibition event to raise money ahead of the January 20-February 2 Australian Open.

TA has been monitoring the bushfire crisis for weeks and is now on the cusp of revealing plans to help those affected by the infernos.

Kyrgios, who is heavily engaged - and often anonymously - in humanitarian causes, wants TA to organise an exhibition featuring the world’s leading players with funds raised to be distributed to fire victims and their communities.

C’mon @TennisAustralia surely we can do a pre @AustralianOpen exho to raise funds for those affected by the fires? 🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 1, 2020

“C’mon @TennisAustralia surely we can do a pre @AustralianOpen exho to raise funds for those affected by the fires?”,” he tweeted.

Kyrgios’ tweet was immediately supported by fellow players, including Australian Davis Cup team-mate John Millman.

TA has since indicated plans are well advanced for a number of fund-raising initiatives.

“For weeks we’ve been watching the devastation caused by bushfires across Australia and the people affected are constantly in our thoughts,” TA chief executive Craig Tiley said.

Great shout that https://t.co/Ru8jrouVfq

— John Millman (@johnhmillman) January 1, 2020

“We want to help these communities in a meaningful way and will announce a number of fund- raising and support initiatives that will be rolled out across the ATP Cup, Australian Open and our other events over the coming weeks.

“Stay tuned for further announcements.”

Tennis Australia has previously used the Australian Open as a platform to raise money for charitable causes.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer raised funds for the Queensland Floods.

In 2010, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Kim Clijsters played in charity matches as part of the Hit For Haiti fund-raiser following earthquakes in that country.

A year later, many of the same players were involved Rally For Relief, a fund-raiser for Queensland’s floods.