There isn’t much happening in the tennis world due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which is why our athletes have turned their focus to other things which are far more important.
They say that big time players make big time plays on the floor. But this time around, these ATP players are making those big plays off the floor for those who are in need
Just like several other athletes around the globe, the Big 3 of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal took turns in showing how big their hearts are by partaking in various charity works.
It can be noted that Federer and Nadal hosted a huge fundraiser in Cape Town few weeks ago which drew arguably the biggest crowd ever at more than 51,000. The exhibition match between these two topnotch players have raised $3.5-M for the Roger Federer Foundation which supports the youth in various countries in Africa.
With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting everyone globally, these types of donations are very much welcome, especially to our frontliners who have been working very hard 24/7.
While still waiting for ATP 2020 updates, here at SBOBET, let us recognize these renowned players for their charitable efforts.
Novak Djokovic giving back to his home country
After coming in as the huge favourite in Melbourne as per our ATP 2020 odds, Djokovic secured his eighth Australian Open title last February. And since then, he has turned his focus to provide relief for his countrymen in Serbia.
Through his foundation, the top-ranked ATP player bared that he will donate €1-M for the purchase of ventilators and equipment to support medical facilities in their fight against the coronavirus.
“What has become clear to us is that this situation is going to be a marathon, rather than a speed race, and it would be good for us to rationally and strategically utilise both our strength and resources to be able to push through to the very end. In moments like this, having high-quality equipment is essential – ventilators – above all, which can save people’s lives,” said his wife Jelena Djokovic.
On top of his generous donation, Novak also urged everyone to do their part in order to fight this pandemic.
“The fight is not easy, numbers are not pleasant, but I am convinced that we will manage to make it out of this stronger than before,” said Novak Djokovic.
Rafael Nadal teams up with fellow countrymen
Rafael Nadal and former NBA All-Star Pau Gasol have teamed up in order to raise funds for their fellow Spaniards.
Together, they have launched the #NuestraMejorVictoria movement in order to gather donations hoping that they could raise around €11-M to provide for citizens in need during this medical emergency.
“You have always been on our side during happy times and difficult times. You have always been understanding. We athletes are what we are largely thanks to your support. Now is the time that we cannot let you down,” said Nadal on social media few days ago.
With more than 64,000 cases confirmed and around 5,000 deaths, Spain has been severely hit by COVID-19. Other notable Spanish athletes such as F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, goalkeeper Iker Casillas, and WTA star Garbine Muguruza have done their parts as well.
Since March 14, Spain has been under the state of emergency, which includes imposing an enhanced community quarantine among its citizens.
Roger Federer donates to the Swiss
Like Djokovic and Nadal, Roger Federer also did his part by announcing their pledge to donate a huge amount of money to families in Switzerland to combat the coronavirus.
Roger and his wife Mirka mentioned that vulnerable families in the country will be given utmost priority since they are the ones who are really affected by the pandemic.
“These are challenging times for everyone, and nobody should be left behind. Mirka and I have personally decided to donate one million Swiss Francs for the most vulnerable families in Switzerland,” said Roger Federer on his Instagram.
With more than 8,000 confirmed cases, like other countries, Switzerland is also on community quarantine. Their death toll as of this writing, however, is only at 66 lives.
Reruns, anyone?
Since most of us are missing our favourite sports, ESPN2 is doing us a solid when they announced that they will provide a 22-hour marathon this weekend that features six epic Grand Slam matches between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Starting on March 28 at 6:00am EST, ESPN2 takes us back starting from the 2006 Wimbledon final up until their intense match during the 2017 Australian Open final.
With that said, let’s do our part by staying home and re-live these highlights for the meantime!
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