AN INVITATION-ONLY celebration of sport, culture and philanthropy took place inside a private Toorak estate on 17 January, on the eve of the Australian Open, as The Invitational with Cash for Charity brought together tennis greats, cultural figures, business leaders and patrons in support of causes close to the heart of Pat Cash.
The event was co-created by Cash and fellow Melburnian Ravi Krishnan, founder of ASE and former managing director of IMG South Asia. Conceived as a tribute to the golden era of tennis, the evening blended world-class sport with luxury hospitality and a distinct rock-and-roll edge, positioning itself as a new benchmark in premium “sportainment” experiences rather than a one-off showcase.
At the centre of the evening was Cash, joined by an illustrious line-up of tennis legends including John McEnroe, Michael Chang, Mats Wilander, Andre Agassi and Rod Laver. The generosity of attendees exceeded expectations, with the organisers stating that they had surpassed their overall fundraising target by 63 per cent at the inaugural edition.
Cash said, “This was about bringing people into the game not just to watch it, but to feel it. When generosity, sport and culture come together naturally, the outcome speaks for itself. What we achieved here goes well beyond the numbers”
Philanthropy was embedded at the core of the initiative. All net proceeds from the ‘Bid to Play’ and ‘Bid to Win’ experiences and auction items were distributed equally among three charities personally selected by Cash: Children’s Ground, Rally4Ever and Youth of Tomorrow. Collectively, these organisations support First Nations communities, youth education, mentorship, mental wellbeing and social connection through tennis and community-led programmes.
Krishnan added, “At ASE, we believe in “Commerce with Compassion”. The Invitational with Cash for Charity was a living example of our commitment to this philosophy. We set out to create something exceptional, knowing that when people are authentically engaged in the experience, generosity follows. Exceeding our Charity target by 63% was a powerful result.”
More than a tennis event, it was conceived as an homage to the golden age of tennis, and delivered
as a modern tribute to the art of entertaining. A carefully curated fusion of world-class tennis, luxury hospitality and electric rock-and-roll energy created a format designed not as a one-off spectacle, but as a new benchmark for a ‘Luxury Sportainment Experience’.
Legends mingled with the guests, and engaged through intimate Q&A sessions. World class tennis unfolded just metres away, reinforcing the event’s defining principle: proximity, authenticity and shared experience. Celebrities from sport, film, media, fashion and music took part in the Celebrity Pro-Am, reinforcing the event’s unique convergence of sports and popular culture.
In the evening, the grounds evolved into The Garden Party with a difference – an intimate live music and dining experience featuring Pat Cash & Friends Live, gourmet cuisine, and a rock-and-roll setlist that became central to the event’s identity. The highlight of the evening saw a rousing rock-and-roll duet by Pat Cash and John McEnroe, a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the event: playful, unexpected, and deeply human.
John McEnroe, who was a key figure in both the on-court and the off-court action, said, “I am really
glad to have been part of an experience that genuinely gives back. Pat and the ASE team put
together an amazing event. The camaraderie was special, and knowing that my involvement helped
deliver such strong outcomes for the charities makes it even more meaningful.”
Justin Liberman, Co-Founder, Square-Peg Capital was all praise: “Massive congrats and appreciation Ravi. You even used the word “Herculean” which I used to describe your effort. Amazing team, wonderful venue, great spirit, food & drink A+. Everyone loved it all.”
Mats Wilander said: “Pat and Ravi, it was a pleasure to be part of your event. You and the ASE team are the ones who deserve the thanks. Everything was done with intention — from the tennis to the atmosphere to the charitable impact. I was happy to be involved and glad that my presence could make a difference. This was an experience created the right way.”
The inaugural edition also featured a bespoke trophy and participant medallions — a considered nod to inclusion and legacy. Crafted by the team behind the recent Battle of the Sexes exhibition and multiple ICC tournament trophies, they underscored the event’s focus on detail and provenance. Krishnan said: “With growing interest from cultural leaders, partners and media, the event signals the emergence of a new kind of sporting experience – one where excellence, empathy and exclusivity coexist, and where legacy is built not through scale, but through intention.”
