The initiative in New York saw a star-studded line-up of current and former players including 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal of Spain, Poland's double French Open champion Iga Świątek and American John McEnroe who won nine Grand Slam titles from 1979 to 1992.

"For me, especially because Ukraine is right next to my country and because we as Poles are really united and helping, and I want to use every opportunity to show people that we all can be united," said women's singles world number one Świątek.

The Pole teamed up with Nadal to take on McEnroe and his compatriot Coco Gauff in one of the highlights of the event.

"For me to speak out is something that I always cherish," said Gauff.

"I always said you can change the world with your racket.

"So being here today on Armstrong and playing for such an amazing cause is something that I won't take for granted, and I'm grateful to do it among legends of the sport."

Ukrainian players Dayana Yastremska, Katarina Zavatska and Daria Snigur - as well as former players Sergiy Stakhovsky and Olga Savchuk - were also at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.

The USTA said that all ticket revenue from the event went to the GlobalGiving's Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.

It was announced just a few hours before the start of the event that Belarusian player Victoria Azarenka would not participate.

"In the last 24 hours, after careful consideration and dialogue with all parties involved, Victoria Azarenka will not be participating in our 'Tennis Plays for Peace Exhibition' this evening," read a USTA statement prior to the beginning.

"Vika is a strong player leader and we appreciate her willingness to participate.

"Given the sensitivities to Ukrainian players, and the on-going conflict, we believe this is the right course of action for us."