World number one Roger Federer has invited a number of tennis stars to take part in exhibition doubles matches on Sunday at the Melbourne Park, the day before the Australian Open, with the aim of raising funds for the victims of the deadly earthquake that took place in Haiti on Tuesday this week.
The players invited to take part in this initiative include Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams.
“I had the idea that we could do something,” Federer said.
“It’s before the first Grand Slam, so it’s for some not so easy to mentally separate, but it’s a great initiative,” he added.
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake affected millions of residents with more than 50,000 deaths reported.
Major sporting leagues such as the NBA, NFL and MLB have already pledged financial assistance.
Federer said that the players he invited have agreed to participate. He said that doubles or mixed doubles matches will take place at the Rod Laver stadium.
