Murray next to go under the hammer
Originally published on: 15/11/10 17:09
Contenders for next week’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London demonstrated they can be just as creative off the court as they are on it.
With the aid of a racket and a tennis ball dolloped in paint, Rafael Nadal and co. have produced a series of artworks that are on show at the La Galleria Pall Mall and are now available for public bidding.
After securing their spots at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, the players created a self-portrait and happily for the less artsy types, they didn’t have to trade rackets for brushes. Instead, they struck paint sodden tennis balls against a stencilled silhouette, which, when removed, revealed a unique self-portrait showing one of the player’s signature on-court moves.
“Making the artwork was fun and something I’ve never done before,” said Nadal, who was the first to qualify. “It’s a great way to celebrate the World Tour Finals coming back to London. It was a little bit of a challenge to put the balls on the silhouette!”
Ever the on-court artist, Roger Federer was the next to don the white overalls for a hit.
“It was great fun being invited to create my self portrait and I’m excited to see how the finished piece looks,” said the world No.2. “Raising money for charity is always a great thing so already I would like to thank people who will buy these pictures and it’s going to be for a good cause.”
Andy Murray, whose artwork went to auction yesterday evening, also enjoyed the experience, but won’t be getting too caught up in the artistic world.
“I can’t say I’ve ever created a self-portrait quite like this before – it was good fun but I don’t think I’ll be giving up my day job just yet,” said Murray.”
All proceeds from the auction will go to charity with Murray splitting the proceeds equally between Children in Need and official tournament charity Save the Children.
Since the exhbition opened on November 8, the public have the opportunity to bid over eBay for the artworks of their heroes. There has already been a large number of interest and plenty of big bidders for the masterpieces, with the portrait of BNP Paribas Masters champion Soderling currently valued at over £2,000.
So with Soderling, Ferrer and now Andy Murray released to the general public, isn’t it about time you dug deep and got bidding?
Where: La Galleria Pall Mall, 30 Royal Opera Arcade, St James’s, SW1Y 4UY
When: November 8-18 2010 10am – 6pm
Cost: FREE
To join the bidding visit www.barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com/ArtofTennis
Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here
