Tennis Channel to Air Rally for Relief to Benefit Victims of Australian Flooding

Tennis Channel will pre-empt its regularly scheduled programming on Saturday Jan. 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT, to air Rally for Relief—a special exhibition being held in Melbourne to raise money for victims of Australia’s flood disaster. Such stars as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Kim Clijsters, Sam Stosur, Lleyton Hewitt, Novak Djokovic and Pat Rafter headline a glittering list of tennis’ elite who will take the court at Rod Laver Arena. Tennis Channel plans to provide viewers with a phone number and Web site to support the cause.

"Along with many of the other players I was moved by the devastation caused by the floods in Australia," Federer said. "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."

"This is a terrible tragedy, not only the loss of life but the destruction of people’s homes," Nadal said. "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."

Australians Patrick Rafter and Sam Stosur officially announced the Rally for Relief at the Medibank International Sydney as a key plank in a major fundraising campaign by the entire international tennis community.

"The plight of the flood victims has well and truly struck a chord with the entire tennis fraternity," Rafter said. "As a Queenslander I am really heartened by the concern and the keenness from our sport to get in and do something to ease the suffering. I know on the scale of things our contribution is only a small one, but it is good to be able to help out."

Sam Stosur said she was touched by the many expressions of concern for the flood victims from her fellow tennis professionals, officials, administrators, coaches and fans. Her own family was displaced by floods in the 1980s and she is keen to contribute to a big fundraising effort.

"A lot of us just want to make some sort of contribution," said Stosur. "It breaks my heart to see what is happening to thousands of people in these floods. I am rapt that the biggest names in our sport are so keen to focus on this despite the fact that the Australian Open starts the next day."

Stosur has pledged to donate $100 for every ace she serves this summer. 

For more information, visit www.tennischannel.com.