A surprise call from Rodger Federer

Monash Health clinician Helen Richards got a surprise Zoom call from tennis legend, Roger Federer with a little help from ESPN Australia / NZ and the United States Tennis Association.

The USTA honoured 14 “Healthcare Champions” from around the globe who have worked tirelessly to save lives in the fight against COVID-19.

Monash Health’s Helen Richards, Director of Clinical Operations for Hospital in the Home and Residential In-Reach, a lifelong tennis fan, received a tremendous surprise, when Roger Federer greeted her in what she thought was a work-related Zoom call.

“What an amazing experience it was to get the chance to sit down and speak with a legend, like Roger Federer,” Richards said.

“I got the shock of my life when he was on the other end of the Zoom call. I’m really honoured to be selected and I see myself as accepting recognition of behalf of all the healthcare workers in the country who are doing tremendous work combatting COVID-19, as well as the entire Monash Health staff.”

“As proud broadcast partner of the US Open, ESPN Australia New Zealand joins Champion to Champion in thanking healthcare workers like Helen from Monash Health who are on the frontline of COVID-19 care,” ESPN Australia New Zealand General Manager Haydn Arndt said.

Monash Health Chief Executive Andrew Stripp, who put her forward Helen, said, “Like so many at Monash Health, Helen has worked tirelessly to support our community during this pandemic.

“Monash Health are proud that our healthcare workers are recognised on the world stage as the champions they are – we thank Disney and ESPN for this opportunity for Helen on behalf of all of our staff.”

Video of Helen’s Zoom discussion with Federer was also broadcast as part of ESPN’s coverage of the 2020 US Open Women’s Singles Final.