The United States Tennis Association (USTA) in partnership with the U.S. Open held a ‘Tennis Plays for Peace’ in support of Ukrainian relief efforts for those affected by the Russian conflict.
The exhibition play was part of the U.S. Open Fan Week and included some of the tennis world’s biggest stars. The night raised over $1.2 million for the humanitarian aid effort for Ukraine.
Various tennis greats such as Rafael Nadal, John McEnroe, and Coco Gauff took part in the exhibition. Others who also played in the mixed doubles were Maria Sakkari, Taylor Fritz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Sebastian Korda.
The festivities opened with 12-year-old Ustyn Chornyy, from the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York, who sang the Ukrainian national anthem in a moving performance.
All of the proceeds will be donated to the GlobalGiving - Ukraine’s Crisis Relief Fund, which provides humanitarian assistance to the communities in Ukraine that have been affected and displaced by the conflict.
Several prominent Ukrainian players, also participated, including Dayana Yastremska, Daria Snigur, and Katarina Zavatska, along with former players Olga Savchuk and Sergiy Stakhovsky.
Louis Armstrong stadium was awash in the Ukrainian blue and gold, with spectators and players alike who also wore ribbons in solidarity for the nation.
Nadal and Swiatek took on McEnroe and Gauff in one of the highlights of the evening.
After winning the coin toss, Swiatek and Nadal opted to serve first. Within seconds, the 22-time Grand Slam winner smacked a shot that sent Gauff and McEnroe running to the baseline.
As the foursome showcased their athletic prowess, they also made sure to keep the audience entertained with their various tricks - and tirades in McEnroe’s case.
Women’s world No. 1 Swiatek said: “For me, especially because Ukraine is right next to my country and because we as Poles are really united and helping, and I want to use every opportunity to show people that we all can be united.”
American star Coco Gauff added: “For me to speak out is something that I always cherish. I always said you can change the world with your racket.
“So being here today on Armstrong and playing for such an amazing cause is something that I won’t take for granted, and I’m grateful to do it amongst legends of the sport.”
The event was held after the Ukrainian Ministry of Youth and Sports revealed on Tuesday 133 coaches and athletes have died due to the conflict in the country.
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