Elton John, Billie Jean King announce London tennis event

Elton John and Billie Jean King will bring their charity tennis event to London for the first time later this year.

The pair will host Mylan World TeamTennis Smash Hits to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation on Sunday, December 7.

The event will take place on the final day of the Statoil Masters Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall.

Tennis superstars John McEnroe and Kim Clijsters will take part, as will former British number one Tim Henman and last year’s Wimbledon runner-up Sabine Lisicki. They will feature in the event’s two teams, who will be coached by Elton and Billie Jean.

Billie Jean said: “More than 20 years ago when we started Smash Hits we envisioned an event with a global presence. Now with the support of Mylan and the continued commitment from Elton and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we are able to expand our reach and bring this wonderful evening of tennis to a new audience.”

Meanwhile, Elton added: “Everyone knows I love tennis, and Mylan WTT Smash Hits is always such a great day. I thank our sponsors, Mylan, Billie, and all our friends in the tennis world who are supporting us.

“We believe that together we can all help create an AIDS-free future, and proceeds from the London event will help us get closer to realising that goal.”

Since 1993, Mylan WTT Smash Hits has raised more than $12 million (£7.1m) for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and various local AIDS charities throughout the United States.

Tickets are available from £18.50 through the WTT Smash Hits website, the Statoil Masters Tennis website, or through the Royal Albert Hall Box Office on +44 (0) 20 7070 4404.

VIP packages are also available – contact fundraising@ejaf.com for more information.

For further information about the event and the Elton John AIDS Foundation go to www.ejaf.org/london.

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