MELBOURNE: World number one Roger Federer has organised a charity tennis exhibition today ahead of the Australian Open to raise money for victims of the Haiti earthquake.
At least 50,000 people have been killed and 1.5 million left homeless in the Caribbean nation and Federer said he wanted to do something to help.
“I had the idea that we could do something to help Haiti after the tragic earthquake,” he said here yesterday.
“So I spoke to some other top players. I got some connections, you know. They all said, ‘Yes, we should do something’.
“So we’re going to play doubles or mixed doubles on Sunday (today), also with top women’s players, and try to fill the stadium (Rod Laver Arena).
“I think there will be a donation at the door of A$10 to come and see us play. It’s something as a tennis family we’re very happy to do.”
UN chief Ban Ki-moon is set to visit Haiti today with the world body appealing for US$562 million from donors. — AFP