Successful world record: Federer and Nadal at the match in Africa against a record backdrop
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal performed at the sixth Match for Aftrica in front of a record crowd of 51,954 spectators in Cape Town. An exhibition with the two superstars took place with the aim of collecting money for Federer's Foundation.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Feb 08, 2020, 11:23 am
At the sixth edition of the Match for Africa, Roger Federer had set himself the goal of setting a record that he had just set himself: During his show fight tour with Alexander Zverev, the Swiss played in Mexico City in front of a previous world record set of 42,517 visitors . At this year's Match in Africa, Nadal and Federer chose a location that could even accommodate 55,000 visitors: the football stadium in Cape Town.
Roger Federer also fulfilled a heart dream with this appearance. It was his first appearance in South Africa, a country with which he has a very special connection. His mother was born in South Africa. "It just means everything to me - and I will never forget it," said the Swiss, overwhelmed by the scenery and added: "Sorry that I am playing here in South Africa so late. "
As in the previous five editions, the aim was to raise money for children in need in Africa. There were also two celebrities completely away from tennis: Microsoft founder Bill Gates and radio host Trevor Noah. These stood for the first big highlight on the pitch when Nadal, alongside Noah and Federer, stood together with Gates for a show double. The men had an entertaining exchange of blows with a better ending for Federer and the second richest people on this planet.
As befits the status quo, it was now time for Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who were able to collect an incredible 39 Grand Slam titles, to face each other. Again with the better end for the Swiss, who defeated Rafael Nadal 6: 4, 3: 6 and 6: 3 and continued his winning streak at the Match for Africa. But that was all irrelevant, because this evening was about collecting money for a good cause. Therefore Rafael Nadal was able to put up with the defeat relatively quickly:
"The past few days have been unforgettable. Thank you for being" the right person "to take part in this event."
Rafael Nadal about Roger Federer
And the world record? That too was broken that evening in South Africa. 51,954 tennis enthusiasts followed this exhibition live in the stadium, and more than 3.5 million US dollars were donated in the course of the event.