Tennis Superstar and Humanitarian Novak Djokovic Leads Japan Relief Effort 

MIAMI – March 21, 2011 – Responding to the tragic events unfolding in Japan, ATP World Tour #2 player Novak Djokovic will lead a team of ATP men’s stars in an exhibition soccer match against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, a professional soccer team to raise money for the disaster in Japan. Novak’s concern for Japan hits close to home as his fellow Tour member Japan’s Kei Nishikori has many friends and family affected by the tragic events which unfolded last week.

“I am very concerned for the people of Japan and think it is only right that we do whatever we can to help those in need. I would love to see all of Miami support both events by showing up at the Ransom Everglades High School soccer field at 7:00 pm to cheer on your favorite team and attending the dinner afterward,” said Novak. Just off his win at the Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Novak is making his way to Miami to start his fundraising efforts

In town for the Sony Ericsson Open, Novak’s team will consist of ATP stars Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, David Ferrer and many others. The match against the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers will take place at Ransom Everglades High School (3575 Main Highway) a couple miles south of the tournament in Coconut Grove at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 23rd. A dinner and auction will follow the soccer match at the new JW Mariott Marquis in downtown Miami.Further information will be forthcoming. Athletic Director at Ransom Everglades, Claude Grubair said, “Ransom Everglades is committed to community service in all respects. The fact that we can collaborate with such a caring group of people for such an important cause allows us to live the mission of our school.”

For information regarding the soccer match, please visit SonyEricssonOpen.com. The dinner event is being organized by GR8 Miami event planning and tickets to the event can be had by visiting www.GR8Miami.com.

Confirmed ATP Players
Novak Djokovic
Kei Nishikori
Rafael Nadal
Andy Murray
Fernando Verdasco
Richard Gasquet
Feliciano Lopez
Viktor Troicki
Marcos Baghdatis
David Ferrer
Jurgen Melzer