A fresh round of flooding in Queensland has hit the city of Brisbane hard, with this photo released by the ATP, showing the city's Pat Rafter Arena filling with water as rains caused riverbanks to overflow. The waters are expected to peak on Thursday.
The stadium hosted the ATP and WTA Brisbane events last week. Queenslander Sam Stosur and Andy Roddick had pledged $100 for every ace they served during the tournament, with Roddick doubling his final contribution to just over $10,000. Stosur and Matthew Ebden, another Queenslander, will do the same for each ace they serve in Sydney this week and the Australian Open. "May not have the power of Andy Roddick but I'll try and be accurate," said Ebden.
December floods in the region had already been declared a disaster, and this latest influx now represents the worst in over a century, during which time the area has become much more built up. So far, the Australian public has raised $30 million for flood relief.
The ATP and WTA tours have also pledged to donate money for each ace served, expecting to raise $40,000. On Wednesday, Roger Federer said he was trying to organize another fundraiser following the successful 'Hit for Haiti' held at Melbourne Park last year.
"The floods here in Australia are devastating!" he said on his Facebook account. "I am on my way to practice now and am going to speak with Tennis Australia to see if we perhaps can organise something on Sunday to help raise some funds for the people of Queensland who have been affected.
"Stay tuned as it would be great if the sport of tennis can help out right before the Australian Open begins."