Rafael Nadal among top tennis stars to play in charity event ahead of US Open

Several top tennis stars, including Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek and Taylor Fritz will be seen in action at a charity event on August 24 ahead of the US Open, which begins five days later. The charity event, named The Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) was decided to be held on August 24, which is also Ukrainian Independence Day and will look to benefit the citizens of the European country.

Apart from the aforementioned tennis stars, Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Matteo Berrettini, John McEnroe, Coco Gauff, Leylah Fernandez, Jessica Pegula and Victoria Azarenka will also play at the event at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York between 7 to 9 pm local time.

Also Read: 36 and counting: Iga Swiatek’s winning streak longest in women’s tennis since 2000

The event will see the tennis mavericks play a series of singles and mixed doubles matches. Tennis Plays for Peace, which includes several governing bodies of the sport and Grand Slam events, has already raised $1 million, which will be spent on humanitarian aid. According to the USTA, the American governing body of the sport is aiming to raise another $2 million with the US Open later in the month.

“The US Open is a stage that attracts millions of passionate fans, and it is incumbent upon us to help guide this passion to help those who desperately need it,” Mike McNulty, USTA Chairman of the Board and President, said.

McNulty also added that he is proud of how tennis has bonded together to help the Ukrainian citizens and urged everyone to pitch in in this grave time for Ukraine.

“This is a vitally important cause, and I’m proud of the way in which our sport has rallied together to lend a much-needed hand to our friends in Ukraine,” he said.

“I’m likewise proud that we are able to use the global platform of the US Open to enhance the giving effort, and I urge everyone to do all they can to help us show the people of Ukraine that we stand with them in their time of need,” he continued.

Also Read: Will Novak Djokovic go past Rafael Nadal’s 22? GOAT debate is open again

The tickets for the charity event will become available on August 10 and cost $25 and $50. The entire proceedings will be given to GlobalGiving, a non-profit organisation that is recognised by Tennis Plays for Peace.

The event will also be available on ESPN and will be hosted by Patrick McEnroe. It will also be available for viewing on ESPN+ and USOpen.org.