The Australian Open and various pros and ex-pros are holding an online fundraiser for former Aussie player Andrew Florent, who has been stricken with cancer. The 42-year-old Florent and his wife Rachel have two young sons, Oliver and Jai.
The tournament is auctioning off tickets to the men’s and women’s singles finals, accommodations at the Crown Metropol, tickets to the Legends Lunch starring Rod Laver and Andre Agassi, and a photo with this year’s Australian Open men’s singles champion. Jim Courier will also give the auction winners a tennis lesson, and they will get a chance to play doubles with Patrick Rafter and Goran Ivanisevic.
“This is terrible news, but what has heartened “Florey” and his family has been the outpouring of support from the entire tennis fraternity,” said his longtime friend Paul Kilderry. “This auction is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the added bonus that the winner is helping out a former Australian tennis player in a time of great need.”
Florent achieved a career high doubles ranking of No. 13. The auction is being held on ebay.com/au, and those who want to donate directly to the Florent family can visit wacharitydirect.com.au.