The Adelaide International Rally for Resilience opened the revamped Centre Court at the new-look Memorial Drive Tennis Centre with a heart-warming fundraising match.
Grand Slam champions Simona Halep and Angelique Kerber took to the court alongside doubles world No.1 pairing of Robert Farah and Juan Sebastian Cabal in aid of bushfire relief in South Australia.
“I love Australia, it’s like my second home. I always look forward to starting my year here, it’s a very special place. It’s great to be back,” said 2016 Australian Open champion Kerber after the first match under the new canopy-roof structure.
"Everyone is trying our best to spend as much and donate and help Australia"@AngeliqueKerber with a special message for Australia ❤️#Rally4Resilience #AdelaideTennis pic.twitter.com/qz0JmyYOr4
— Adelaide International (@AdelaideTennis) January 12, 2020
“We’re here of course because of the fires. We are all really sad for the situation. We’re trying to help and donate as much as possible to help here in Australia. We’re trying all we can and it’s really important.”
With the support of Tennis Australia, the Australian Tennis Foundation and the Roger Rasheed Foundation, the elite quartet entertained an enthralled crowd in a one-set duel on Sunday night.
All money raised from ticket sales for the Rally for Resilience will benefit those adversely effected by the devastating fires.
“It’s heartbreaking what is happening right now in Australia, I feel so sad about that,” revealed two-time Grand Slam champion Halep, who prevailed in the match tie-break partnering Cabal.
When your partner gets into such a good rally that all you can do is sit and watch… 😂@RobertFarah_ | @AngeliqueKerber #AdelaideTennis #Rally4Resilience pic.twitter.com/BbIucYiAI3
— Adelaide International (@AdelaideTennis) January 12, 2020
“I will donate every time I get upset with Darren [Cahill, coach] on court ($200), which I do a lot. I will donate some extra money too because I feel so sad.
“It’s the first time he’s ever allowed me to get angry with him, so it’s a good time for me.”
The Adelaide International is also supporting the viral Aces for Bushfire Relief campaign designed to encourage anyone, from anywhere, to serve an ‘ace’ and donate to the appeal.
Every ace struck at Memorial Drive this week will raise $100 for those in need, whilst signed player memorabilia will form part of an online auction to raise additional funds.
Donations to the Australian Red Cross bushfire disaster relief and recovery efforts can be made at www.redcross.org.au/tennis.
Coaching advice from @roger_rasheed mid-match to @Simona_Halep. Not something you see everyday!#Rally4Resilience #AdelaideTennis pic.twitter.com/YdiullVW8h
— Adelaide International (@AdelaideTennis) January 12, 2020