Google News Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and tennis stars in support of Ukraine
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A week before the start of the Australian Open, a charity event will take place in Melbourne. In the Rod Laver Arena, on Wednesday 11 January, the protagonists of the tennis Tours will compete for the Tennis Plays for Peace project: Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, Maria Sakkari, Alex Zverev, Frances Tiafoe and Alex de minaur.
The cause is the war in Ukraine: as reported on the official website of the Australian Open, the proceeds will go to the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine of UNICEF Australia and Global Giving, which are providing aid on the ground.
“Tennis is a truly global sport with an international community of players that has a history of stepping up and helping. Through Tennis Plays for Peace, the tennis community can offer hands-on assistance through fundraising, as well as show our sincere support for the victims of war.
We look forward to a spectacular night of tennis and entertainment and a wonderful opportunity to come together and raise some much needed funds,” said Grand Slam Tournament Director Craig Tiley.
Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and tennis stars in support of Ukraine
On the occasion of the event, not only big names, but there will also be a challenge between two veterans: the 99-year-old Leonid Stanislavskyi, a Ukrainian tennis player who has already met Nadal and Zverev, will face his colleague and contemporary Henry Young from Adelaide; the two will go to the Rod Laver Arena for the Battle of the Centurions, as the official website of the Australian Open writes.
Jannik Sinner also made the announcement of this match: the blue exchanged with the latter, in Adelaide, where he is playing in the first tournament. "Special moment dribbling with Henry today, 99 years old and world number one!
Henry will play against 98-year-old Leonid Stanislavskyi in the Rod Laver Arena ahead of the Australian Open and raise money for people in Ukraine. You are both an inspiration to us all! Good luck," wrote Sinner on his social media.