Thiem versus Nadal: the program for the exhibition in Adelaide is set
The players have to wait two more days in the bubble before the Australian Open. From Friday they will be allowed to move freely in Melbourne and Adelaide. An exhibition will take place in the latter place on Friday, where Dominic Thiem meets Rafael Nadal.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Jan 27, 2021, 12:47 am
In two sessions, a total of four top stars of women and men will meet at the Memorial Drive Tennis Center in Adelaide. At 1 p.m. local time (3 p.m. CET) the number one in the world, Novak Djokovic, will meet Jannik Sinner, followed by Serena Williams against Naomi Osaka. Venus Williams and Irina-Camelia Begu then make a short appearance in one sentence.
From 7 p.m. local time (9 a.m. CET), Nadal will play against Thiem, Ash Barty will then meet Simona Halep. In the four main matches, two tie-break winning sets are played. If the score is 1-1 after two sets, a match tiebreak follows. In German-speaking countries, the matches will be broadcast by Eurosport.
The proceeds from the tickets will be donated to the Australian Tennis Foundation. The foundation works to help the most disadvantaged people in South Australia. "The fact that we have gathered the biggest names in tennis is largely thanks to the overwhelming response of the people in South Australia to the Covid-19 pandemic," said Sports Minister Corey Wingard.
"Covid-19 has hit us all mentally, physically and on an economic level. Young people in particular who have to find their way into the job market are already experiencing severe financial difficulties," said Vicki Reid, Executive Director of the foundation. "We will contribute to a healthier, happier and stronger community."
The exhibition will also be reigning number one Barty's first appearance on a tennis court in almost a year . The 24-year-old had an advantage, as it were, because she did not have to be quarantined, but could train freely.
After the exhibition, Djokovic, Nadal and Thiem travel to Melbourne to serve at the ATP Cup . "I have finally got over the jetlag and am looking forward to the coming days," Thiem said in an interview with Todd Woodbridge.