5 tennis players who are known for their philanthropy ft. Andre Agassi, Roger Federer
Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, and Serena Williams, among others, are some of the greatest players to compete. Tennis is one of the most lucrative sports, with prize money and hefty endorsement deals often transforming the financial lives of these players.
However, they have also made it a point to give back to society. Most of the sport's most successful names have easily minted hundreds of millions during their careers. They have also given a significant portion of it to various causes over the years.
Players not only use their platform to raise awareness about pressing matters but also step up themselves when it is required. With that in mind, here's a look at a few tennis players who have made an impact due to their philanthropic efforts:
#1 - Roger Federer
Federer established the "Roger Federer Foundation" in 2003 to help disadvantaged children and support educational projects in South Africa and Switzerland. Since its inception, the foundation has spent 77.5 million CHF across various educational initiatives.
The foundation also ensures that its operational costs are minimal to ensure that there's more money flowing toward its programs. Over 2.4 million children have received access to better education since the foundation's inception.
Federer also supports the Swiss-South African charity IMBEWU and was appointed as a goodwill ambassador by UNICEF in April 2006. He has also raised money by competing in various charity matches with his fellow tennis superstars such as Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams, among others.
#2 - Venus and Serena Williams
Williams helms the "Serena Williams Foundation", which leads the way in community development. Together with sister Venus, the duo established the "Yetunde Price Resource Center" in 2016 in honor of their half-sister who was tragically murdered.
The main aim is to help victims of violence regroup in the aftermath of a loss. The sisters also contribute to "First Serve Miami", which helps young children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds pursue tennis. They also contribute to various causes through the "Williams Sisters Fund".
The Williams sisters also contribute to various other charitable causes, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Common Ground Foundation, and the Small Steps Project, among others.
#3 - Rafael Nadal
Nadal established the "Rafael Nadal Foundation" in 2007 intending to help underprivileged children through sports. The foundation is run by his family, with his parents, sister, and wife contributing in various roles.
The foundation has grown in strength over the years and was awarded the Laureus Sport for Good award this year. The foundation teamed up with UNESCO last year for the "Fit for Life" project, which aimed to tackle physical inactivity and mental health issues, among other things.
#4 - Andre Agassi
Agassi has been at the forefront when it comes to charitable endeavors for many decades now. He founded the "Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation" in 1994, which helps disadvantaged young in his native Nevada. The foundation has raised over $60 million in its mission to help people.
Agassi also opened the "Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy" in 2001 in Las Vegas for at-risk children. He donated $35 million from his pocket to get it up and running. He also established "Athletes for Hope" in 2007, which brings together other professional athletes to get involved in noble causes.
Agassi's desire to help the youth is also reflected in his contribution to rebuilding local schools and hospitals in his home state. He received the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award in 1995 for his charitable efforts.
#5 - Novak Djokovic
Djokovic created the "Novak Djokovic Foundation" in 2007 to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds prosper in a safe and healthy environment.
The foundation has built 58 preschools in Serbia, helped over 56,000 children, and invested €16 million for the same. They partnered with the World Bank in 2015 to promote early childhood education in Serbia.
Djokovic has also raised money by participating in charity matches for the Haiti earthquake in 2010, and the Queensland floods in the same year. He also donated his prize money to help the victims of the floods in Serbia after winning the Italian Open in 2014. He was named the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year in 2012 and was appointed as UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassador in 2015.