Federer to stage relief event for Haiti

MELBOURNE, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Several players at the Australian Open will join men's World No. 1 Roger Federer Sunday in a special fundraising event for earthquake victims in Haiti.

Top-ranked players Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, and Serena Williams decided to skip their final practice day to play in the exhibition event at Melbourne Park.

Federer said he and a number of the world's leading players would play special doubles matches Sunday. Tickets will be $10 for adults with children under 12 admitted free.

"I had the idea we could do something to help Haiti after the tragic earthquake," Federer said on the tournament's Web site Saturday. "So I spoke to some other top players (and) they said 'yes, we should do something.'"

He said he hopes for a big crowd and all proceeds will go to the Haiti earthquake victims.

"It's something as a tennis family we're very happy to do," Federer said.