Post by tall_one on Feb 19, 2005 4:53:49 GMT 3
ATP Players to Star in Charity Exhibition Event at Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells
Federer, Safin, Henman among the first players assembled
Proceeds to fund UNICEF and other worldwide tsunami relief efforts
Unique event part of evening’s “Salute to Heroes” activities
The ATP and the Pacific Life Open announced today that the world’s greatest men’s players will unite for a special charity exhibition event during the Pacific Life Open designed to benefit UNICEF and other worldwide tsunami relief efforts. Roger Federer, winner of the 2004 INDESIT ATP Race and defending champion of the Pacific Life Open, was the catalyst behind organizing the event to be held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Friday, March 11.
“In Australia in January, the players were talking about what we could do as a group,” Federer said. “I’m delighted that we will come together to play in this unique event designed to raise funds for tsunami relief efforts. It’s an important cause and the night will be a very enjoyable one for the fans who come watch.”<br>
A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go to charity. For tickets, call 1-800-999-1585 or log onto www.PacificLifeOpen.com. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. prior to a Pacific Life Open tournament match.
Federer is working with the ATP Foundation to assemble a cast of stars for the unique first-of-its-kind event. Marat Safin, Tim Henman, Guillermo Coria, Gaston Gaudio and David Nalbandian all will participate. Additional players will be announced later.
The format of the exhibition will include a combination of singles and doubles matches, including a Super-Tiebreak played between Federer and Safin, whose two most recent matches at the Tennis Masters Cup and the Australian Open have ignited talk of an exciting new rivalry. At the Tennis Masters Cup, they played an ATP-record-tying 20-18 tiebreak won by Federer.
Players also will participate in special fundraising activities starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Village Stage, which will showcase scenes and outtakes from Facing Federer, the ATP documentary filmed at the 2004 Tennis Masters Cup. Players will sign autographs, answer questions and help raise funds. All fans with tickets for the day or evening session will be able to attend the Village Stage activities. The exhibition event will follow the traditional Pacific Life Open “Salute to Heroes” that opens the Friday evening session.
Charlie Pasarell, Tournament Director of the Pacific Life Open, said: “The Friday night session at Indian Wells has traditionally been a ‘Salute to Heroes,’ so this event fits in perfectly with that theme. Everyone has been impressed at how quickly the players and tournaments responded to the crisis in Asia, and we’re pleased to host this special event at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden to help raise additional funds. It should make for a very memorable night.”
Federer, Safin, Henman among the first players assembled
Proceeds to fund UNICEF and other worldwide tsunami relief efforts
Unique event part of evening’s “Salute to Heroes” activities
The ATP and the Pacific Life Open announced today that the world’s greatest men’s players will unite for a special charity exhibition event during the Pacific Life Open designed to benefit UNICEF and other worldwide tsunami relief efforts. Roger Federer, winner of the 2004 INDESIT ATP Race and defending champion of the Pacific Life Open, was the catalyst behind organizing the event to be held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Friday, March 11.
“In Australia in January, the players were talking about what we could do as a group,” Federer said. “I’m delighted that we will come together to play in this unique event designed to raise funds for tsunami relief efforts. It’s an important cause and the night will be a very enjoyable one for the fans who come watch.”<br>
A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go to charity. For tickets, call 1-800-999-1585 or log onto www.PacificLifeOpen.com. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. prior to a Pacific Life Open tournament match.
Federer is working with the ATP Foundation to assemble a cast of stars for the unique first-of-its-kind event. Marat Safin, Tim Henman, Guillermo Coria, Gaston Gaudio and David Nalbandian all will participate. Additional players will be announced later.
The format of the exhibition will include a combination of singles and doubles matches, including a Super-Tiebreak played between Federer and Safin, whose two most recent matches at the Tennis Masters Cup and the Australian Open have ignited talk of an exciting new rivalry. At the Tennis Masters Cup, they played an ATP-record-tying 20-18 tiebreak won by Federer.
Players also will participate in special fundraising activities starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Village Stage, which will showcase scenes and outtakes from Facing Federer, the ATP documentary filmed at the 2004 Tennis Masters Cup. Players will sign autographs, answer questions and help raise funds. All fans with tickets for the day or evening session will be able to attend the Village Stage activities. The exhibition event will follow the traditional Pacific Life Open “Salute to Heroes” that opens the Friday evening session.
Charlie Pasarell, Tournament Director of the Pacific Life Open, said: “The Friday night session at Indian Wells has traditionally been a ‘Salute to Heroes,’ so this event fits in perfectly with that theme. Everyone has been impressed at how quickly the players and tournaments responded to the crisis in Asia, and we’re pleased to host this special event at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden to help raise additional funds. It should make for a very memorable night.”
