Australian tennis player Samantha Stosur has pledged $200 to bushfire relief funds for every ace she serves over the summer.

The former world No 1, who won the US Open in 2011, has joined the campaign started by tennis 'bad boy' Nick Kyrgios. Other Australian tennis players including Alex de Minaur and John Millman are also involved. 

Stosur tweeted: "For every ACE I serve over the Aussie summer I’ll donate $200 to the bushfire relief to help raise funds to the families, firefighters and animals who are affected by this disaster. Please join me in any way you can #ausfires #ClimateEmegency #AustralianFires."

Kyrgios started the movement when he took to Twitter to urge the authorities to help those affected by the widespread devastation.

He wrote: "C’mon @TennisAustralia surely we can do a pre @AustralianOpen exho to raise funds for those affected by the fires?"

The ATP Cup got on board with the campaign, pledging $100 to the Australian Red Cross bushfire relief efforts for every ace in the tournament. This is anticipated to reach a total sum of A$150,000 (£79,000).

A special Australian Open "Rally for Relief" event will also take place in the Rod Laver arena on January 15 ahead of the Australian Open beginning on January 20.