Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Lindsay Davenport, Justine Henin Join Hit For Haiti

(March 4, 2010) Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova are in the Hall of Fame. Lindsay Davenport and Justine Henin are headed there.

The four former World No. 1 players will convene on court for the BNP Paribas Open’s “Hit For Haiti” exhibition set for Friday night, March 12.

A women’s match featuring an astounding 50 Grand Slam titles on the same court will include Steffi Graf and Lindsay Davenport taking on Martina Navratilova and Justine Henin. They will be the first match that evening, which will be followed by the match comprised of 44 Grand Slam title holders, Roger Federer and Pete Sampras playing Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi.

Oracle will lead a comprehensive fundraising effort which will include on-site, text messaging and private donations targeted to reach $1 million. Funds will benefit the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development fund, which was established to help those impacted by the recent earthquakes in Haiti.

"Oracle is proud to participate in fundraising efforts to benefit the relief efforts in Haiti," said Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. "It is impressive to see this remarkable line up of athletes work together to raise much-needed funds for Haiti.  Our hope is to hold an event that supports relief efforts and continues to raise the visibility for how Haiti needs the world’s help."

The event will be broadcast live in numerous countries around the world, and domestically on the Tennis Channel, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Pacific time. In addition, live web streaming will be available on bnpparibasopen.org, TennisTV.com, atpworldtour.com, sonyericssonwtatour.com, usta.com, tennis.com, espn360.com, and others. As a show of support, the broadcasters, satellite uplink providers and production teams of the event are picking up all of the production costs to ensure that the maximum amount of money can be generated for the fundraising effort.

The evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the annual Salute to Heroes ceremony, where the tournament will recognize veterans, military personnel, police, firemen and women, and Red Cross volunteers on Stadium Court for their efforts in the community and around the world.

The ceremony and tennis exhibition will be followed by one main draw match.

For more information about the BNP Paribas Open, or to purchase tickets and travel packages, please visit www.bnpparibasopen.org, call (800) 999-1585 or (760) 200-8000.

Photo Credit: Natasha Peterson/Corleve