By Tim Saunders on
After raising thousands of dollars for Haiti last year, Roger Federer hopes to hold another celebrity charity tennis match – this time to raise money for victims of Australia’s devastating floods.
Fifteen people have now been confirmed dead as flood waters continue to rise in Queensland, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people. Animals and property have been swept away in a deluge of water, leaving 74 people missing.
“The floods here in Australia are devastating,” said Federer. "I am on my way to practice now and am going to speak with Tennis Australia to see if we perhaps can organize something on Sunday to help raise some funds for the people of Queensland who have been affected.
“Stay tuned as it would be great if the sport of tennis can help out right before the Australian Open begins.”
Federer plans to hold an exhibition match this weekend, prior to the Australian Open next week. Organized by Tennis Australia, Rally For Relief is expected to also feature players such as Kim Clijsters, Rafael Nadal and Lleyton Hewitt.
World tennis number 6, Australian Sam Stosur, said: "It’s just incredible, you get mesmerised watching the television. All the players know what it’s about, particularly when they see the Pat Rafter Arena underwater. Even Southbank, where we were staying last week, had that beautiful little beach that doesn’t exist any more.
“Because it’s hit where we all were last week, they can relate to it. They are concerned, and everyone wants to do whatever they can.”
Copyright © 2011 Look to the Stars
