Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to play record-breaking exhibition next year
Roger Federer will face Rafael Nadal in Cape Town next year as the iconic rivals attempt to break a world record for charity.
Federer and Nadal have a storied past together, winning nearly 40 Grand Slam singles titles between them.
However, they are to come together next February at the 55,000-capacity Cape Town Stadium for an exhibition match they hope will set a new record attendance for a tennis match – with the proceeds going to the Roger Federer Foundation.
“This Match in Africa is a dream come true,” Federer said after confirming the match. “I will play in my mother’s home country against my toughest rival and friend Rafa Nadal.
“We share not only the love for tennis but also for the good cause of giving children a better start in education and in life.”
Nadal, meanwhile, added: “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.”
The clash, which takes place on February 7, will be preceded by a doubles match in which Microsoft founder Bill Gates will partner Federer and South African comic Trevor Noah will team with Nadal.
As things stand, the attendance record for a tennis match is 35,681, set at an exhibition game in Brussels between Belgian Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams in 2010.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
EXCLUSIVE: Annabel Croft speaks to Tennis365 about John McEnroe’s prediction for Coco Gauff
-
Comment: Crestfallen Alexander Zverev is broken and he needs to find a quick fix
-
John Nicholson: How John McEnroe and two guys from Teesside helped transform Wimbledon
-
Wimbledon 2019: Meet the mixed-doubles dream teams, including Andy Murray and Serena Williams
-
Meet the brothers who struck a business deal with Andy Murray through their Castore brand
-
Latest
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian OpenFive of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.
-
WTA TourAshleigh Barty laments giving away control to Danielle Collins as she suffers defeat in Adelaide
Early exit for defending champion Ashleigh Barty.
-
Australian OpenToni Nadal believes the pressure got to Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final
Daniil Medvedev felt the heat.