Best of 2024 charity: Alcaraz, Rublev launch foundations
A number of ATP stars have dedicated time to charitable causes in 2024, combining their on-court success with efforts to give back. Players including Andrey Rublev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Casper Ruud have not only focused on winning matches but also on raising funds for a variety of charitable organisations.
In March, Rublev launched the Andrey Rublev Foundation, aimed at supporting children with critical illnesses. The foundation’s mission is to fundraise and provide resources that help these children overcome challenges, empowering them to reach their full potential. Rublev’s clothing line, Play for the Kids, which he launched in December 2023, raised over $150,000 in its first months, serving as the foundation’s initial funding.
In April, Alcaraz followed suit, establishing the Carlos Alcaraz Garfia Foundation. Similar to Rublev’s foundation, Alcaraz’s initiative is focused on improving the lives of children in need. Based in El Palmar, the foundation is working to develop strong programs that offer support to children, while fostering networking opportunities and innovative solutions. One of the foundation’s early successes includes social sports initiatives that have already reached over 120 children, promoting equal opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
“I believe athletes are in a privileged position, and we have a responsibility to help those in need, especially by improving their childhoods,” Alcaraz said upon the foundation’s launch. “We are starting with small but meaningful steps to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
[ATP APP]Ruud, currently ranked No. 6 in the PIF ATP rankings, has been involved with the W Initiative, a humanitarian organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and young people from diverse backgrounds. As Global Ambassador since 2022, Ruud participated in the initiative’s annual tennis event in September, held in Oslo. The event raised a donation of 1 million NOK ($95,000 USD) for Furuset IF Tennis, an organisation whose work aligns with W Initiative’s mission of increasing opportunities for young people.
“I was already aware of the excellent sporting results here, but after today, I truly understand why,” Ruud said at the event. “The work they’re doing with children and youth is incredible.”
<img alt=”Casper Ruud” src=”/-/media/images/news/2024/09/25/14/48/ruud-charity-september-2024.jpg” style=”width: 100%;” />
Photo Credit: Stian Engh
Hurkacz also donated €100 for each ace he hit between September and November to support victims of the devastating floods in Poland, while doubles specialist Marcus Daniell pledged 50 per cent of his 2024 prize money to charity. Daniell, the founder of High Impact Athletes, is committed to guiding athletes toward the most effective charitable causes.
This week, Dominic Thiem won the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award, reward for his ongoing climate and animal work.
For more on ATP players’ charitable work in 2024, featuring Ben Shelton and Brandon Nakashima, click here.
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