BUDAPEST, Hungary - The Hungarian Ladies Open didn’t just invite children to take part in their draw ceremony - they brought the entire draw ceremony to the children.
The tournament continued its tradition of hosting the tournament draw ceremony at the Ronald McDonald House in Budapest, allowing dozens of young children and families a chance to see the stars of the tournament up close.
Top seed Dominika Cibulkova, Donna Vekic and Hungary’s own Fanny Stollar were on hand to join the proceedings, bring toys to the kids and meet with press. Guests of the Ronald McDonald House also got to take part in the ceremony, helping WTA Supervisor Cristina Romero place the players in the draw.
The Ronald McDonald House, which provides temporary lodging and care for families while their child battles critical illness, is the tournament’s longtime charity of choice. To aid fundraising efforts, Cibulkova has donated one of her racquets - the same ones she’ll use to compete in the tournament - for auction. All proceeds will benefit the RMH and will be presented after the tournament.
Hungarian fans can bid on the racquet on the tournament’s website, hungarianladiesopen.com.
Check out a video of the ceremony below to watch all the tiny volunteers help put together the draw!
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.
Click here to see more WTA Charities activities!