Lleyton Hewitt raised over $160,000 for disadvantaged children during the second annual Night of Champions in Melbourne. The event, held on May 9 at the Regent Theatre, featured a conversation between Hewitt and fellow tennis player Todd Woodbridge, attended by around 300 guests. The funds will support programs by the Australian Tennis Foundation aimed at increasing access to tennis for young people.
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Hewitt, a former world No.1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, emphasized the importance of making tennis available to children who might not have the opportunity otherwise. "To try and give back to people that are a little bit disadvantaged to get involved in our great sport, I think it’s fantastic," he said. He reflected on his career and the work required to reach the top levels of tennis, discussing both his triumphs and challenges.
The Night of Champions was organized by the Australian Tennis Foundation, the charity arm of Tennis Australia and the Australian Open, focusing on utilizing tennis as a means of support for young people in need. Since its inception in 2021, the foundation has provided over 185,000 hours of activities and support to 50,000 children and families facing adversities.
In addition to the fundraising, the event highlighted the broader impact tennis can have on children, offering not just physical activity but also social connections and encouragement from adults. Vicki Reid, Executive Director of the Australian Tennis Foundation, cited Hewitt's career as an example of what the organization aspires to provide for all children, regardless of their circumstances.
The inaugural Night of Champions took place the previous year, successfully raising over $100,000 while honoring Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley. This year's event sought to build on that momentum, with a continued emphasis on ensuring that all children have opportunities to engage in tennis.
Funds raised from the Night of Champions will help reduce barriers to participation in tennis, such as costs and access to suitable programs, facilitating greater opportunities for youth facing disadvantages. Although the money raised cannot replicate Hewitt's career for another child, it opens avenues that might otherwise remain closed. The night showcased how Hewitt's indomitable fighting spirit continues to inspire through acts of giving back to the community.