Federer (left), Djokovic and Nadal (right) put their rivalry aside to help Haiti

Roger Federer was delighted after a series of exhibition games ahead of the Australian Open raised funds for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. The world number one was joined by Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams on Sunday at a packed Rod Laver Arena. "I was following it on TV and saw the devastation and I thought we should do something," the Swiss star said. "It was a lot of fun. It's a great thing and I'm happy the players were also in such good spirits." Haiti was devastated by Tuesday's earthquake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, and the Red Cross has estimated the death toll at between 45,000 and 50,000, with millions more injured, orphaned or made homeless. National Football League, Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association in the United States also pledged sums of money. Greg McLaughlin, president of the Tiger Woods Foundation, said the foundation staff were evaluating "the most appropriate role" to help the Haitian people. 606: DEBATE It's good to see players in our sport reacting in such a laudable way

duggietoo Just 24 hours before the start of the first major tournament of the season, many of the world's top tennis players sacrificed last-minute training to help provide some funds for the victims of the tragedy. Spectators were charged A$10 (£5.60) to see a number of doubles matches, which also included Belgium's US Open champion Kim Clijsters, Australian Lleyton Hewitt, American Andy Roddick and world number three Novak Djokovic. More than A$200,000 (£114,000) was raised in the event called 'Hit for Haiti'. With players wearing microphones, Federer, who lost to Spain's world number two Nadal in last year's Australian Open final, teamed up with reigning Australian Open champion Serena Williams, along with Hewitt and Samantha Stosur. "It was a fun afternoon for all of us. But most important is that we can help Haiti," Federer told the showpiece centre court crowd.



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