NEW YORK, NY, USA - World No.2 Simona Halep suffered an early exit from the US Open at the hands of Maria Sharapova, ending her quest for a maiden Grand Slam title - as well as the WTA’s World No.1 ranking.

The morning after losing the epic, three-hour late-night battle, Halep received a phone call from a fellow World No.2: Andrea Jaeger. The former player needed someone to help lead the Little Star Foundation’s Youth Olympics Project, which aids Young Olympians and children suffering from poverty, disease and lack of opportunity.

“Like Andrea, my heart is in helping children.”

- Simona Halep

By the very next day, Halep’s $10,000 donation was in, with the Romanian pledging to become a leader on the Project as well as inspiring fellow athletes, Olympians and audiences to match her donation.

“I am excited to team up with Andrea Jaeger’s Little Star Foundation Youth Olympics Project,” Halep said. “Like Andrea, my heart is in helping children. We hope you join us to make a difference to Young Olympians and children suffering from poverty, disease and lack of opportunity.”

Andrea Jaeger with Darren Cahill, coach of Simona Halep.

Jaeger, former World No.2 and two-time Grand Slam finalist, started the Little Star Foundation three decades ago and gave all of her professional tennis earnings to help children, families and communities in need.

To date, her Foundation has provided over $100 million dollars in Programs for children, families and communities in need, which are all provided free of charge.

WTA Charities is the WTA's global philanthropic organization dedicated to making a positive impact across the globe. Our mission is to be a social responsibility vehicle built on the WTA's values to empower and provide for a better future. We're dedicated to combining, strengthening and enhancing the community and charitable efforts of the WTA through its members (players, alumnae and tournaments), along with our partners.

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