Last week, some of the world’s best tennis players got together for a Tennis Plays For Peace exhibition supporting Ukrainian humanitarian relief.

Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiątek, John McEnroe, Coco Gauff, and many more stars thrilled a packed Louis Armstrong Stadium for two hours of tennis to raise money for those in need in war-torn Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek/status/1563126185944825859?s=20&t=yU5D-v93GORBhiRtbtUFQA

“It has been a very tough couple of years in terms of [the] pandemic, now with the war,” Nadal said. “I am excited to be back, of course, it’s always a pleasure to play in New York and in front of probably the best crowd of the world.”

After an opening ceremony featuring Stakhovsky, Savchuk, and host Patrick McEnroe, the Ukrainian national anthem was performed and Nadal played a mixed double match alongside Iga Swiątek against Gauff and McEnroe.

“Being on the court with John, Rafa, and Iga, world No. 1, it’s really crazy here in New York,” Gauff commented. “I’m happy that I’m able to do it for this cause and you guys all know me, I like to speak out when it’s right. I’m glad that I was able to be a part of this.”

All proceeds from the event were sent to Global Giving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. 

Image: Twitter (@iga_swiatek)

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen