• Rally for Relief

Tennis stars rally for flood victims

Queenslanders Sam Stosur and Pat Rafter announce the Rally for Relief © Getty Images

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The biggest names in tennis have united to support victims of the Queensland floods by confirming they will play in a free-flowing exhibition day this Sunday at Melbourne Park.

Top ten players Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters and Sam Stosur will be joined by Australia's Lleyton Hewitt and retired Aussie Pat Rafter and other players to raise money for those affected by the shocking floods that have ravaged the Australian state of Queensland and parts of northern New South Wales.

The world's top talent is converging down under in preparation for the Australian Open but they will put aside thoughts of Grand Slam glory to participate in the Rally for Relief, which starts at 2pm local time.

Federer said on the Australian Open website: "Along with many of the other players I was moved by the devastation caused by the floods in Australia. We just wanted to do something to help aid the recovery because we know there are thousands of Australians who will continue to suffer as a result of this disaster."

World No.1 Nadal added: "This is a terrible tragedy, not only the loss of life but the destruction of people's homes. I am pleased to be able to contribute in some way to help bring it to the attention of the world and raise some money for the victims in the process."

Hewitt said: "As an Australian I cannot help but be touched by such an awful turn of events. It is a disaster on a massive scale. Australians are incredible at pulling together in times of crisis and this is certainly one of those times. If the tennis community can also help play a role in the recovery then we should, both in Australia and internationally. I just think at a time like this it is a case of getting all hands on deck."

Queenslanders Rafter and Stosur announced the event at the Medibank International tournament in Sydney on Thursday. They expressed their gratitude to the international tennis community for getting behind the cause and Stosur has pledged $100 towards the relief fund for each ace she serves this summer.

In addition to other special collections and auctions, the ATP and WTA combined to offer $10 for each ace served by any player at the Brisbane International, Medibank International Sydney, Moorilla International in Hobart and the Australian Open.

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