Southeastern Australia is wrapped in hazy fire smoke which greatly affected the qualification of this year's first Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open, which begins on Monday. Today, the elite in the form of Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal and others pulled their straw to the fundraiser.

It happened before a sold out centercourt, Rod Laver Arena, of 15,000 people which will be the main course for the tournament which starts next week.

- For 20 years this has been my home and I have played so many great games on this course and in this country. That's why we're all here tonight to support and help, says Serena Williams.

33 million collected during the gala

During the gala, there was a count of 4.8 million Australian dollars collected, which is equivalent to 33 million SEK and the collection will continue. The players then added SEK 1.6 million.

"It's a huge sum, but there are so many needs to fill," said Federer, who worried about the fires from a distance before coming to Australia.

- I imagine that many people do not think it is possible to go to Australia, but I set up here to raise money and convey the message that it is possible to go to Australia. It is important that people know that it is possible to go to Australia, come here, Federer urges.

The forest fires in Australia have so far claimed 28 lives and destroyed more than 2,000 homes.