A charity match to raise money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake provided Roger Federer, Serena Williams and handful of the world’s top players some light relief on the eve of the Australian Open.
The two world number ones abandoned their normal training routines to team up with the likes of Rafa Nadal, Kim Clijsters, Lleyton Hewitt, Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic for a fundraising exhibition.
“I was following it on TV and saw the devastation and I thought we should do something,” said Federer, the brainchild of the idea.
“It was a lot of fun. It’s a great thing and I’m happy the players were also in such good spirits.”
The hastily-arranged match at a packed Rod Laver Arena raised more than A$200,000 (US$184,700) in aid for the victims.
There were more wisecracks than aces as the players all joined in the irreverent mood of the mixed doubles match, hamming it up for the packed crowd at the Rod Laver Arena centre court.
When a line judge called Roddick for a foot-fault, the American could not resist a verbal volley:
“I can’t believe you called me in a charity match, you do realise Serena’s playing.”
Here is some video from the day!
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