Serena Williams, Richard Gasquet and Kei Nishikori were some of the tennis stars that took part in the annual All-star Tennis Charity event hosted at the The Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne, Miami.
The event gives amateurs the chance to play either against or alongside professionals in the tournament. The event raises money for the First Serve Miami organization. The charity aims to introduce young children to tennis, who otherwise would not have the opportunity to do so.
Tickets for the event ranged from $95 to an incredible $5000. The highest ticket price guarantees a VIP all access pass, one entry in the round robin tournament, 15 minutes of playing time alongside the top players and a meet-and-greet photo opportunity.
One of the attendees was Linda Robertson, a columnist for the Miami Herald. Robertson had the fortune of teaming up with Williams for a doubles game against former player Chris Evert and Haute Living journalist Sara Mirnelli. In an enlightening account for the Miami Herald, she described what it was like playing alongside Williams.
“Williams kept us in the game with her smooth groundstrokes. She was like a Ferrari doing 35 mph to keep the rallies going. Had she unleashed her normal serve, an ambulance would have been called. It is amazing to watch the pros’ effortless control. They can place the ball wherever they want”. Robertson wrote.
It wasn’t the first time that Robertson has experienced what it is like to play in a match featuring Williams. In the past, she has even beaten the world No.1, at the 2015 event alongside her sister Venus.
Photos of the players in action can be seen below.
