USTA Joins Tennis Governing Bodies for Australian Bushfire Relief

Standing in solidarity with its international tennis family, the United States Tennis Association announced on Monday that it is committed to providing support to the Australian Bushfire relief efforts.

The USTA, on behalf of the US Open, is teaming up with the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the worldwide governing body for the sport; the French Tennis Federation (FFT), on behalf of Roland Garros; and the All-England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), on behalf of Wimbledon; to donate a combined $400,000 USD (AUD$579,542) to the cause. 

These funds, which come in addition to what's already been and will continue to be raised by Tennis Australia's Aces for Bushfire Relief campaign, will be donated to the Australian Red Cross.

The Australian Red Cross is one of the leading humanitarian organizations that is providing help and support to devastated areas in the country, which has seen its land, residents and wildlife affected by bushfires in recent months. 

The organization is supporting thousands of people in evacuation and relief centers, helping to reunite families, and providing training, equipment and logistical coordination for volunteers and other relief workers.

Along with its monetary contribution amongst the sport's other stakeholders, the USTA is encouraging tennis players and fans across the United States to support the relief efforts in various capacities.

“The USTA has a long track record of supporting communities hurt by devastating natural disasters, and though our efforts have traditionally been to support communities in the United States, we are joining with the world in helping our friends and colleagues in Australia,” said Patrick Galbraith, current USTA Chairman of the Board and President.

“When the global tennis community unites, we can make a difference.”

The USTA's social media platforms will also launch their own campaign to support #Aces4BushfireRelief. Tennis Australia, the ATP and WTA tours and at least two dozen top players have been using the hashtag on social media to raise awareness for the cause, and to commit to making charitable contributions.

Most commonly, these contributions have been tied to the number of aces served at the Australian Open and other events over the Australian summer, and the goal of the USTA’s social media campaign will be to encourage all American tennis players and fans to do whatever they can towards the relief efforts.

"The worldwide tennis community has come together in support of all those affected by the bushfires across many parts of Australia," added former USTA President and current ITF President David Haggerty.

"This donation will support the Red Cross teams who are working hard on the ground providing essential emergency assistance including relief centers, aid and practical support for victims, evacuated families and those who have lost their homes.  We would like to commend all members of the tennis community who are currently raising funds and awareness.”

For more information about the Australian bushfire relief efforts, those interested can visit redcross.org.au/tennis.