Rafael Nadal, former world #1, Ana Ivanovic, and 6 time Grand Slam champion Stefan Edberg are among the sixteen tennis pros invited to participate in this year’s Necker Cup, to be held on Sir Richard Branson’s private Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands December 12-16.

The Necker Cup is a charity tennis event that raises money for charities. Proceeds from the event will benefit Rafa’s charity, Fundacion Rafa Nadal. The event itself is a lively and fun time, as it includes amateur tennis players. The sixteen current and former tennis pros are paired up with 16 amateur teams (up to two amateurs per pro) of all levels, with a handicap scoring system to keep the score meaningful across all levels. Teams compete to win a chance to play in the finals. Participants also indulge in other activities such as sailing, kite boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, beach tennis, and paddle boarding. Sounds like an amateur player’s dream come true!

According to the Necker Cup website: “The Charity ATP/WTA Player’s Exhibition, Dinner, Auction and “End of the World” Party take place on the final night. A portion of event profits and 100% of all live and silent auction proceeds go to Virgin Unite, The National Tennis Foundation, and other leading ATP/WTA player charities. Last year’s Necker Cup Event raised over $1,000,000 for worthy charities.”

Source: www.neckercup.com