TennisToday

Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer go Paintballing

Now this is an ad campaign I really really like.

I can't wait to see what they do with the other 6 who qualify.

These pieces will eventually be auctioned off for charity.

Rafael Nadal: Making the artwork was fun and something I've never done before. It's a great way to celebrate the World Tour Finals coming back to London. It was a little bit of a challenge to put the balls on the silhouette! Of course this is the least we can do for charity and for those who need it the most. It's very important that people in our position help those who really need help. I'd like to thank everyone for the support they give us.

Roger Federer: It was great fun being invited to create my self portrait and I'm excited to see how the finished piece looks. Raising money for charity is always a great thing so already I would like to thank people who will buy these pictures and it's going to be for a good cause. I'm happy I can help a bit. I am very happy as it is the ninth consecutive year I have qualified for the year-end event. I have played in a lot of different venues during my career and I can say they staged a fantastic event at The O2 last year. I look forward to returning there in November and finishing the season strong.

And here is a fun 'how'd they do it' video:

Quotes courtesy of BarclaysATPWorldTourFinals.com

'Champions for Chile' Raises $125,000 for Earthquake Relief

Grand Slam champions Jim Courier, Andy Roddick and Gustavo Kuerten joined Chilean tennis star Fernando Gonzalez for a charity match in Miami last night to raise funds for disaster relief. 

The foursome raised just over $125,000 for victims of the February 27th 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile which caused widespread devastation leaving behind 400 fatalities and nearly a million homeless.

Said Jim Courier, "Tennis is one big family, and we're good about supporting each other. Initiatives like this in a time of crisis, we're lucky we have a platform to raise money and raise awareness."

Good work guys.

Photos: Getty Images/AP

Fernando Gonzalez: Plea for Chilean Earthquake Relief

Text 'CHILE' to 90999 or visit American Red Cross.

Rafael Nadal: Looking Forward to Playing Indian Wells

I woke up this morning to a Facebook message from Rafa himself.

Actually two.

1. Last week was great, with great practice and a lot of work well done. Marc Lopez came to practice with me. I am feeling better and better and playing well so looking forward to Indian Wells.

2. I also want to take the opportunity to send the Chileans a big hug and my support. There are always Chileans at every tournament making themselves heard. Big hug to all of them. We are with you!

*******

The images coming from Chile are heartbreaking. Please donate if you can:

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Serena Williams gives Tennis Clinic to Kids in Kenya

I bet this was a very powerful and rewarding way to spend the day.

Today Serena lead a clinic for local juniors in the Kibera slums of Nairobi.

Perhaps she has found herself a new mixed doubles partner?

Serena is in the midst of a 3-day visit to Kenya to visit her charity efforts.

The Serena Williams Foundation

Photos: Reuters

Serena Williams - The Humanitarian in Kenya Today

Serena Williams was in Emoli (just east of Nirobi) today to visit the Serena Williams Wee Secondary School and tour her other humanitarian efforts in the region.

You may visit her foundation online: Serena Williams Foundation.

From her Twitter page today: 1. On my way to the school in africa I'm so excited I will be teaching a lesson today!! Yeaaaa!!

2. What an amazing day. I had the opportunity to open a 2ed serena Williams secondary school in Kenya. Its so worth it.

3. We now have a new division of the school dedicated to the hearing impaired! Every1 needs love. Pictures and video up soon at www.theswf.org.

Photos: Reuters

Serena Williams Spotted in Kenya to Open School

Serena arrives in Kenya on a three-day visit to open a school with funds she raised thru her charity work.

This, from her Twitter page:

1. On my way to Africa for school opening. We r doing another one guys!!!! To learn move visit www.swf.org Love u all Xx S

2. Hey guys! So I got the flu or at least an 48 hour bug.... I finally feel better after sleeping for almost 36 hrs.

3. i need to be well cause I am in africa going to open up my new school... 

Photos: Reuters

'Hit for Haiti' Relief Benefit in Indian Wells - March 12th

I just got an exciting email from the fine folks who run the Masters Series 1000 in Indian Wells. Former champions Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi will take the court in a doubles match to raise money in a 'Hit for Haiti' exhibition.

It'll be a night match and tickets are still available: HERE.

The event is designed to raise at least a million dollars for the American Red Cross and will feature Roger Federer & Pete Sampras against Andre Agassi & Rafael Nadal.

Lopsided pairing, no? That's 30 Slam singles titles on one side of the net going up against only 14 on the other. More amazingly, it represents a whopping 15 Wimbledon titles - 15 of the last 18 actually, going back to Agassi's victory in 1992.

I may need to rearrange some plans and get out there a day earlier... if not, it'll be aired live on the Tennis Channel.

Roger Federer Visits Ethiopia During His Time Off

From Roger's Facebook fan page: Here is a shot from today when I visited the project i support in Ethiopia. It was touching to see the impact my foundation has had on the lives of these kids. I had a great time. Ethiopia was a beautiful country and the people were so kind and gentle.

Well, it's a racket sport anyway!

Roger just continues to amaze.

Photos: Reuters

Tennis Superstars Raise Money for Haiti Relief

I really wish Tennis Channel had picked this up - it looks like it was a blast. In the end this special 'Hit for Haiti' exhibition raised $159,000 for much needed relief. Enjoy the photos.

9 more photos after the jump.

Photos: AP, Getty Images, Reuters

Tennis Stars to Play Tomorrow for Haiti Earthquake Relief

This is so heartwarming. I hope you raise loads of money.

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Serena Williams and Sam Stosur are set to play a couple mixed doubles matches on Rod Laver Arena tomorrow with all the proceeds to go to Haiti earthquake relief.

Tickets are $10 and Federer says he hopes to "fill the stadium".

Federer explained, "I had the idea we could do something to help Haiti after the tragic earthquake. So, I spoke to some other top players ... they said 'yes, we should do something'."

He continued, "I think it's something as a tennis family we're very happy to do. I know it's on the eve of the first Grand Slam of the season, so it's for some not so easy maybe mentally to separate, you know, a few things – but I think it’s a great initiative."

Roger the Humanitarian. Lovely.

Photo: Reuters

UPDATE*****

From Roger's Facebook page: From my hotel window I can already see a huge line at Federation Square waiting to buy tickets for the 'Hit for Haiti' exo later today. Australians are great! Should be fun.