Why are Federer and Nadal playing exhibition match in South Africa? The touching reason
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal meet in South Africa today for an exhibition match - but why are they playing there?
Tennis’ two most successful male players will today play in a charity event. Titled ‘The Match in Africa’, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will entertain fans at the Cape Town Stadium.
Proceedings will get underway with a pro-celebrity doubles match.
Microsoft guru Bill Gates teams up with Federer while Nadal will be joined by comedian Trevor Noah.
The doubles event is scheduled to get underway at 5.30pm GMT, with Federer and Nadal’s match following afterwards.
Eurosport and Tennis TV will be providing live coverage throughout the UK.
Federer vs Nadal start time: What time does the Match in Africa start?
Why are Federer and Nadal playing in South Africa?
The match is in aid of Federer’s charity, the Roger Federer Foundation.
The charity provides educational and athletic programs to children in Africa.
But there is also a special meaning behind Federer’s decision to host the match with Nadal in South Africa.
It will be the first time the Swiss star has played in the country, which is also the birthplace of his mother.
“I don't know what took me so long, to be quite honest,” said Federer.
“I said, 'It's not possible that I'm on the tour for 20 years, I've become the player that I have been, and I've never played in South Africa'.
“It's just not OK. I couldn't live with myself if that happened.”
He added: “That Rafa is willing to do it is exciting, of course, to say the least.
“I know my parents are very happy, very proud, as well.
“I’m sure it's going to be very, very special for me on many levels to play there.”
According to Yahoo Sports, Federer’s foundation has already reached more than a million children and hopes to generate in excess of $1million through the Match in Africa.
The charity’s CEO, Janine Haendel, said: “It will be such an emotional moment for him [Federer].
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“For him, it's really a dream. It's been a project for quite some time."
Federer and Nadal are also aiming to pack 50,000 fans into the Cape Town Stadium, which would be a record attendance for a tennis match.
Nadal said: “Roger and I have shared so many magical moments on and off the court.
“Travelling with him to Cape Town and playing for the benefit of children is something I am very excited about.
“It will be my first time in the region with Roger as a tour guide – that will be fun."