Stars of tennis and the entertainment world teamed up this weekend to support the National Junior Tennis and Learning network. The tennis stars included Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, James Blame, Serena Williams, and Roger Federer. Will Arnett and Will Ferrell both showed up to provide some comic relief as well. I have to say… the tennis world does have a surprising amount of big stars these days.
Via US Open:
A star-studded lineup of tennis players and entertainers teamed up to kick off the 2009 Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day with a full afternoon of concerts, contests and games on Saturday.
Families and children filled nearly every seat in Arthur Ashe Stadium to catch a glimpse of their favorite tennis players and entertainers, and they weren’t disappointed.
Hosted by television personalities Quddus and Susie Castillo, the fan-friendly Kids’ Day featured high-energy concert performances from stars like platinum-selling artist and American Idol Jordin Sparks, who performed two of her hit singles, including the latest, “Battlefield.” Also performing their hit songs were rising stars Honor Society and 15-year-old Usher protégé Justin Bieber, who drew a lot of high-pitched screams from his young fans in the crowd.
Several tennis superstars also entertained the crowd with a little fun and friendly competition between concerts. Kim Clijsters and James Blake teamed up in a mixed doubles match against Ana Ivanovic and rising American star Devin Britton, the runner-up at the 2008 US Open Junior Championships. Will Ferrell added some comedy as the chair umpire, walking out onto the court dressed as Blake and wearing a headband and bald wig.
Later, Ferrell, Andy Roddick, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer got a lot of support from the crowd as they participated in a fast-paced target-hitting contest to raise money for their respective charities. Not only did the pros consistently hit their targets, but Ferrell sent a few lucky fans home with US Open souvenirs as he purposely hit balls high into the seats.
By the end of the contest, a total of $67,000 was raised, with $10,000 benefitting the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The NJTL was established in 1969 by Ashe, Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder to develop the character of children through tennis and education.
After a performance from Bieber, Roddick, actor Will Arnett, Andy Murray and Ferrell split up into doubles teams for a match that was dubbed “The Will and Andy Show.” During this match, Roddick fired one of his trademark 140-mph serves at Ferrell, who just barely dodged the bullet, and Ferrell drew some laughs when he took off his shoes and threw them at Roddick as Roddick and Murray were engaged in a one-on-one rally at the net. Saturday Night Live comedian Keenan Thompson entertained the crowd, as well, as he umpired the match dressed as a baseball umpire, complete with a helmet and chest pads.
Tags: Andy Roddick, arthur ashe kid's day, James Blame, Kim Clijsters, maria sharapova, Roger Federer, serena williams, tennis, us open, will arnett, will ferrell
What the hell is going on there, that's one of the strangest pictures I've ever seen.