Serena Williams donates signed dress to Australian bushfire appeal

A signed dress worn by Serena Williams at her first tournament of year is being auctioned off to raise funds for firefighters tackling Australia's unprecedented bushfire emergency. Williams, who is preparing for this month's Australian Open at WTA Auckland Classic, joins a slate of sports stars from around world who have stumped up memorabilia and cash to help pay for firefighting efforts. "I have so many friends in Australia and it's just been really tragic all around," 23-time Grand Slam champion said on Friday. "I just keep asking every day to people back home or in Australia, what can I do? Is re anything I can do? It's literally devastating for me and I'm sure a lot of or people feel same way."

RE | Russia Defeat Argentina To Enter ATP Cup Semifinals

Serena donates signed dress

Her outfit, listed as "a bespoke Nike dress me specifically for Serena", was worn by American when she beat Italy's Camila Giorgi in first round at Auckland. Williams progressed to tournament's semi-finals on Friday. Also for sale is a tennis ball signed by Williams and Caroline Wozniacki, as well as a one-hour private training session from Serena's long-time mentor Patrick Mouratoglou. auction closes at midday Saturday (2300 GMT Friday).

RE | Djokovic Beats Shapovalov, Les Serbia Into ATP Cup Semis

Earlier on Friday, Australian cricket legend Shane Warne raised more than Aus$1 million (nearly $700,000) for bushfire victims by auctioning off "baggy green" cap he wore through his Test career. It came a day after reigning Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton pledged $500,000 for relief efforts, saying that he h been deeply sdened by reports that over a billion animals h been killed in fires.

RE | Kvitova, Keys Into Brisbane International Semifinals

RE | Williams And Wozniacki Reach Auckland Semifinals