New York, Aug 25 : The top world-class tennis players will have to face each other over the next two weeks with the US Open trophy at stake.On Wednesday night however, they gathered together for a ‘Tennis Games For Peace’ show in aid of Ukrainian humanitarian aid.Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, John McEnroe and many other stars were astonished by the crowds at Louis Armstrong Stadium for two hours of tennis to raise funds to help those who suffer in Ukraine, with recently exiled Ukrainian players Sergiy Stakhovsky and Olga Savchuk in attendance.
“It was a difficult couple of years in terms of the pandemic and, more recently, with the outbreak,” Nadal said.
“Excited to play again of course It’s always a pleasure perform in New York and in front of probably the greatest audience of the planet.”
After the opening ceremony, which featured Stakhovsky, Savchuk and host Patrick McEnroe and host Patrick McEnroe, the Ukrainian national anthem was played and Nadal played on the court for a mixed doubles game together with Swiatek against Gauff and McEnroe.
“Being on the court with John, Rafa and Iga World No.1, it’s truly amazing to be here in New York,” Gauff said.
“I’m satisfied that I was able to participate in this cause.You all know that I’m a vocal person when it’s the right thing to do.I’m happy to be in a position to be an active participant of this.”
Swiatek was caught in an in-joke about “Coach Rafa”, “On the last point (he) informed me that John will serve wide, and he wasn’t right.He’s not always right Wow!” she declared while Nadal laughed.
Swiatek has previously hosted her own charitable event in aid of Ukrainian children.The World No.1 was delighted to give her time to the cause once more.
“I’m very happy that we’re unison and that as a public entity as well as athletes have accomplished so well.Sure, the event I participated in in Poland was a wonderful event for me.This was the first tennis event that attracted lots of attention in tennis in Poland,” Swiatek stated.
“I’m quite content that we have raised the most amount of money for children in Ukraine most likely because they’ve changed their lives, and it’s right next to my own country So I was quite emotional and content that I could utilize my sport in this manner and also that we’re doing it today.It’s great.”
McEnroe McEnroe, who ironically was a chair umpire in the tournament was born 15 minutes away from Flushing Meadows.McEnroe, the former World No.1 thanked the crowd for their support.
“I would like to say for this occasion that we’re all a fraternity that includes tennis players.We’re all pulling for one another,” McEnroe reflected.”Obviously everyone wants peace, and hopefully this will contribute to improving the situation in Ukraine.”
inj
