"Virtual Madrid Open": Angelique Kerber and Andy Murray are there
Angelique Kerber becomes a gambler at the console for a good cause in times of the corona crisis.
by SID / tennisnet
last edit: Apr 10, 2020, 11:19 am
The three-time Grand Slam winner will take part in the Virtual Madrid Open from April 27th to 30th and will compete with 31 other tennis professionals in the video game "Tennis World Tour". Originally, a clay court tournament was scheduled for this period in the Spanish capital, but, like all other tournaments scheduled until mid-July, had been canceled.
"This is a new challenge for us players and something that I have never done before," said the 32-year-old: "It is exciting and a good opportunity to compete in a new format from home. I look forward to it to participate in it. "
In addition to Kerber, other top players such as Andy Murray, Lucas Pouille and Carla Suarez Navarro have already confirmed for the eSport event. With this tournament, the top players want to help tennis professionals who have to fight for their existence due to the corona crisis. The winners in men and women each receive 150,000 euros, which they then donate to tennis players in need. Another 50,000 euros go to social institutions.
A total of 16 ATP and 16 WTA players will take part in the Virtual Madrid Open. "We organized a tournament for the professional players that comes closest to the original without the players having to leave their homes," said tournament director Feliciano Lopez.