Friday, March 5, 2010

Graf, Navratilova join charity match for Haiti

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) -Retired stars Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova and Lindsay Davenport are joining current women's player Justine Henin in a second match at a charity tennis exhibition to raise money for Haiti.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will team with retired stars Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi in an already announced men's match during the "Hit for Haiti" benefit to be played March 12 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Tournament director Steve Simon says he expects a minimum of $1 million to be raised for Haiti earthquake relief efforts. A similar event held during the Australian Open raised more than $600,000.


Federer and Sampras will team for a doubles match against Nadal and Agassi. Graf and Davenport will play Navratilova and Henin, who recently returned to the pro tour after a brief retirement.

Net proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the American Red Cross. Fans will be able to donate onsite and through text messages.

Software tycoon Larry Ellison, who recently bought the Indian Wells tournament, will make his own donation.



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