By Ruwani Perena
Tennis fans helped to raise money for November's Kaikoura earthquakes at a celebrity charity match in Auckland today.
Sporting siblings Serena and Venus Williams headlined the event at the ASB Tennis Arena, but a couple of All Blacks brothers were there to take on the sisters at their own game.
The Williams sisters are arguably one of the greatest female tennis doubles pairs of all time, and they were happy to play to a sellout crowd to support those affected by the quakes.
"You never know when life's going to happen so I was super elated to be a part of this today, to be able to help raise because people are in need," said Venus.
The $65,000 raised was the only score that mattered.
Local tennis stars got to rally with the pair, but what really got the fans along was the match-up between the tennis greats and All Blacks brothers Julian and Ardie Savea.
"We were saying to each other it was more nerve-wracking waiting to go out there than a rugby test," said Ardie.
"Those guys are awesome. The athleticism shows and they're good sports to come out here and get in a position that's a little uncomfortable," said Venus.
With the fun out of the way, now it's back to the business of winning - the ASB Classic tournament in the sisters' sights.
Newshub.
