'Finally useful': Tennis star with funniest bushfire pledge yet
Swiss star Belinda Bencic has joined the ever-expanding list of tennis stars to commit to the bushfire fundraising cause.
While the likes of Nick Kyrgios have pledged $250 for every ace they hit over the Australian summer to go towards the bushfire crisis, Bencic has opted for a slightly different strategy.
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The 22-year-old clearly isn't as confident as others in the ability to raise money through her serving prowess.
Far from it.
That, however, is where the brilliance of the World No.8's bushfire pledge lies.
“Although I’m not the best at hitting aces but much better at hitting double faults, I will donate $200 for every one I serve at my next tournaments,” Bencic tweeted.
“Like that, I won’t be angry at myself when I hit one and finally they will be useful.”
Donating for every doublefault in the next tournaments:)) @AdelaideTennis @AustralianOpen Will you join @AlexZverev ? 😅 pic.twitter.com/HsWx3SpwZ7
— Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) January 8, 2020
Bencic said on social media that her "heart is crying reading the news" about the devastation the bushfires have wreaked across Australia.
It’s a sentiment echoed across the sporting landscape in Australia, with millions of dollars raised from a raft of professional players and governing bodies.
Sporting community rallies in support of bushfire victims
Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley announced on Wednesday that Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Kyrgios will headline a charity exhibition event called Rally for Relief on Rod Laver Arena.
Australian Open tournament organiser Tiley also told reporters that Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniaki and Stefanos Tsitsipas will also take part in the event to be held on the evening of January 15.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg announced the opening week of the 2020 season will be a dedicated Bushfire Appeal Round to raise money for those affected.
The NRL's plan will form part of a whole-of-game approach with the Queensland Rugby League , NSW Rugby League and the Rugby League Players Association working to devise a plan to maximise fundraising.
The AFL is also set to confirm details of State of Origin fundraiser to be played in February - marking the first time such an event has been held in the code since 1999.
Cricket Australia are also formulating plans for a Big Bash final curtain-raiser on February 8, which is likely to include legendary Aussie players Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne, among others.
Warne has already raised more than half a million dollars for the bushfire relief after putting his Australian baggy green cap up for auction, in a gesture matched by fast bowling great Jeff Thompson.
With agencies
