World’s top tennis stars rally for bushfire relief
The biggest names in world tennis raised nearly $5m for victims of the bushfires that have ravaged Victoria and the country. But it was the volunteer firefighters who took centre stage.
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The world’s best tennis stars on Wednesday night rallied for bushfire relief in a special Melbourne showpiece to raise much-needed money and Aussie spirits.
But it was the volunteer firefighters who stole the show, the heroes enjoying a five minute standing ovation.
In the fun and supportive spirit of the night, superstar Rafael Nadal got Victorian CFA member Deb Borg to hit the court with him.
With more than $4.8 million raised for the cause, Nadal revealed he and Roger Federer had decided to donate $250,000 of their own cash to help tackle the “terrible disaster”.
Kyrgios said: “To see all the fire fighters here, it’s emotional, it’s fun,” he said.
Former world No. 1 and 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki said players from around the globe wanted to show their support for a country that had “been through a lot”.
“We all love Australia and we all want to help as much as we can,” she said.
Kylie Minogue sent messages of support which were played on big screens at last night’s fundraiser. “I’m so sorry I can’t be with you tonight,’’ she said via video link.
“I just wanted to say that I’m so touched and in awe in how Australians have rallied together to help those in need right now. Your support and donations mean so, so much”.
Fittingly, to a backdrop of photos of brave firefighters, the night opened with a touching rendition of Aussie classic Throw Your Arms Around Me by former Hunters and Collectors frontman Mark Seymour and Vika and Linda Bull.
With a capacity crowd of almost 15,000 singing along, the song offered an apt description of Aussies rallying around their own in a time of need.
In a tribute expected to raise worldwide awareness of the bushfire disaster, volunteer firefighters were given the best seats in the house and joined by former world No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov in their own private section at Rod Laver Arena.
Reigning and seven-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic and fellow stars Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Petra Kvitova strutted their stuff on centre court. And — after mixed doubles matches and fundraising efforts — Federer and Aussie Nick Kyrgios squared off in a singles showdown fans will hope repeats when the grand slam starts on Monday.
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All money is going to the Victorian government’s bushfire relief fund.
Tennis Australia is also raising money for the Red Cross, via an “Aces For Bushfire Relief campaign” with $100 dollars donated for every ace served during the summer of tennis. More than $2.8 million has already been raised.
All proceeds from Sunday’s AO Live Stage concert, featuring Jessica Mauboy, Montaigne and Lily Papas will go to the Red Cross bushfire appeal.