US Open Tennis Stars Raise Funds for Ukraine

August 26, 2022 

On August 24, tennis stars “played for peace” at the US Open tournament in an exhibition in support of Ukrainian humanitarian relief. Tennis Plays for Peace was held on Ukraine’s Independence Day and raised $1.2 million according to the USTA (United States Tennis Association). 

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February, thousands have died and an estimated 6.6 million people displaced inside the country with an additional 6.3 million crossing international borders. Approximately 13 million people are estimated to be stranded in affected areas or unable to leave due to heightened security risks.

The Tennis Plays for Peace initiative was created in March by the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association), ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals), ITF (International Tennis Federation) and the four Grand Slams, the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. It has raised more than $1 million in humanitarian aid and expects to raise $2 million more during the US Open. 

“The US Open is a stage that attracts millions of passionate fans and it is incumbent upon us to help guide this passion to help those who desperately need it,” said USTA Chairman of the Board and President Mike McNulty. “This is a vitally important cause and I’m proud of the way in which our sport has rallied together to lend a much-needed hand to our friends in Ukraine. I’m likewise proud that we are able to use the global platform of the US Open to enhance the giving effort and I urge everyone to do all they can to help us show the people of Ukraine that we stand with them in their time of need.” 

The event followed an annoucement earlier this week from the Ukraine Ministry of Youth and Sports announced which reported that 133 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have died in the six months since of the country’s invasion.

In total, 21 current and former tennis players participated on Wednesday evening in New York’s Flushing Meadows – Corona Park. Stars including Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and John McEnroe took part in a total of five doubles tiebreak sets. “I’m happy that I’m able to do it for this cause and you guys all know me, I like to speak out when it’s right. I’m glad that I was able to be a part of this,” said Gauff. “For me to speak out is something that I always cherish. I always said you can change the world with your racket.” 

Swiatek added: “I’m pretty happy that we raised so much money for kids in Ukraine, mostly because their lives have changed and it’s right next to my country, so I was pretty emotional and pretty happy that I can use my sport that way and that we’re doing this today. It’s great.” 

All proceeds from the exhibition were donated to GlobalGiving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund – the official charity of the Tennis Plays for Peace initiative. It supports humanitarian assistance in impacted communities in Ukraine and surrounding regions where refugees have fled. 

Tennis Plays for Peace is the beginning of the US Open’s tournament-long effort to raise awareness and aid for Ukraine, which will include the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York performing during the opening night ceremonies on August 29. 

Beyond Sport's Sport for Together Fund, in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, will also support humanitarian efforts in the Ukraine. Learn more here.