Elton John and Billie Jean King announce London as location for 2014 Smash Hits fundraiser for AIDS

Elton John and Billie Jean King met in 1973 and the peak of their rock star and tennis playing fame.

She sang back-up at several of his concerts and he wrote the 1975 hit Philadelphia Freedom about her.

To say they have kept in touch would be an understatement.

The famous pair announced this week that they are once again teaming up for a World TeamTennis Smash Hits event to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

It will take place on December 7 at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

They will be joined by some heavy-hitters: Former world numbers ones John McEnroe and Kim Clijsters; former British number one Tim Henman and last year’s Wimbledon runner-up Sabine Lisicki.

King and John will serve as coaches and more players will be announced in the coming weeks.

The pair began teaming up for the annual Smash Hits event 22 years ago. By that time, both had come out as gay (both had previously been in heterosexual marriages) and wanted to find a way to do a charity event together.

‘More than 20 years ago when we started Smash Hits we envisioned an event with a global presence,’ King said in a statement. ‘Now with the support of (sponsor) Mylan and the continued commitment from Elton and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we are able to expand our reach and bring this wonderful evening of tennis to a new audience.’

John added in a statement: ‘Everyone knows I love tennis, and Mylan WTT Smash Hits is always such a great day.

‘We believe that together we can all help create an AIDS-free future, and proceeds from the London event will help us get closer to realizing that goal, by giving access to life saving treatment to more people living with HIV in Africa.’

Since 1993, Mylan WTT Smash Hits has raised more than $12 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and various local AIDS charities throughout the US.

The London event marks the first time in the event’s 22-year history that it will be staged outside the US.