The Artsakh Fundraiser Exhibition Tennis Match took place on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Burbank Tennis Center.

Russian-Armenian tennis star Karen Khachanov made an appearance as a special guest and left an “everlasting impression on all who were lucky enough to see him in action,” Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter reports.

“What a true gentleman and supporter of Armenians and Artsakh. Our sincere gratitude to Mr Khachanov and his team for this unforgettable day,” the organization added.

Throughout the recent edition of Australia Open, Khachanov supported Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), which has been under Azerbaijan’s blockade for over three months now. After each victory, the tennis player approached one of the cameras shooting the game and wrote on the lens a message of support for besieged Armenians.

Since December 12, the sole road connecting Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia - the Lachin Corridor - has been blocked by self-described Azerbaijani environmentalists. Karabakh residents have reported food and fuel shortages, while hospital patients don't have access to essential medicines, with only a handful allowed transfer to facilities in Armenia proper.