Sydney: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are among the big names in tennis to take part in a special exhibition on the eve of the Australian Open to raise money for the victims of Australia's flood disaster.
All-time Grand Slam champion Federer, world number one Nadal, Kim Clijsters, Lleyton Hewitt, Novak Djokovic and Pat Rafter are among the elite players who will play in the 'Rally for Relief' match at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.
The heart-rending scenes of Queensland's floods, which have left 15 people dead and inundated Australia's third-largest city Brisbane, have shaken the international tennis fraternity, gathering in Melbourne for Monday's season-opening Grand Slam.
"Along with many of the other players, I was moved by the devastation caused by the floods in Australia," Federer said in a statement.
"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."
Nadal said he was delighted to be able to contribute in some way to the flood victims. "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."
Hewitt, Australia's two-time Grand Slam champion, said it was time for the tennis community to do their bit for those affected.
"As an Australian, I cannot help but be touched by such an awful turn of events. It is a disaster on a massive scale," Hewitt said.
"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."
Australians Pat Rafter and Sam Stosur officially announced the 'Rally for Relief' at the Sydney International tournament in a major fundraising campaign by the international tennis community.
"The plight of the flood victims has 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."
Fellow Queenslander Stosur is already donating Australian dollar 100 for every ace she serves in Australian tournaments this summer.
Former Australian Test cricketer Shane Warne is also trying to organise a Twenty20 game to aid the flood relief. Warne said via his social network site Twitter, he was planning a charity match between his XI and a team led by former England captain Michael Vaughan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground featuring ex-cricketers and celebrities.
England's cricketers have also donated a slice of their match fee from Wednesday's T20 international against Australia and star batsman Kevin Pietersen is auctioning bats and shirts he used in the recent Ashes series.
Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, in Australia for next week's Tour Down Under, said on his Twitter site that he would be pledging $50,000 to the relief efforts.
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