Greece’s star tennis player, Stefanos Tsitsipas, has always claimed to have a soft spot for Greeks Down Under, who welcome him and cheer him on like their hero, during the Australian Open, every year.

So, it was without hesitation that the world number five, responded to Neos Kosmos contributor, Katerina Hatzi, for an autographed racquet, on behalf of Zoe Petropoulos, a young Greek from Melbourne who was born with Neurofibromatosis.

Zoe Petropoulos, the face of the Flicker of Hope Foundation, was overjoyed, as she has spent the last four years empowering the many thousands of Australians who live with the fear of the unknown, and in pain due to this rare condition which has no cure.

Neurofibromatosis is a rare genetic disorder, that can cause bone deformities, learning disabilities, hearing and vision loss and chronic pain throughout the body.

Through the Flicker of Hope Foundation, which her family started in 2018, the 21-year-old’s sole ambition is to raise money for much needed research in the field, so that the medical community can better understand the disease and how to treat it, giving hope to those impacted. So far the foundation has raised over $1,300,000 in just three years, 100% of which is used to fund essential groundbreaking research.

Zoe Petropoulos, the face of Flicker of Hope, was delighted to receive Stefanos Tsitsipas’ autographed racquet, as she continues to raise hope for those living with Neurofibromatosis. Photo: Supplied

Stefanos Tsitsipas’ racquet bearing his autograph has been custom-framed for the auction that will take place next week during the free family-friendly event “Kicking butt for NF Research” planned by the foundation.

Featuring AFL legends, the event will take off on Tuesday 12 April, at 4pm with a Free Kids Footy Clinic at the Port Melbourne Football Club.

There will be photo and autograph opportunities with legends of the AFL such as Peter Daicos, Sam Mitchell, Ben Johnson, Dermott Brereton, Robert DiPierdomenico, among others. The auction for the Greek star’s racquet will begin after dinner, which is scheduled at 6pm.

Anyone interested in bidding, even if unable to attend, can get in contact with the Foundation on 0412499524.

For more information about the Flicker of Hope Foundation, visit www.flickerofhope.org.au or follow them on Facebook.