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
-
French OpenAndy Murray explains why he sympathises with Naomi Osaka over mental health and media struggles
“I can certainly understand how athletes do struggle with it,” says Andy Murray.
-
WimbledonWimbledon 2021: When does it take place, what’s new, who’s missing, TV channels, betting, prize money
All your Wimbledon 2021 info.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal ‘exhausted’ and close to ‘mental fatigue’ after draining clay-court season, says his coach
“He is going to take a well-deserved rest,” says Carlos Moya.
-
NewsNo Wimbledon mixed doubles with Serena Williams for Andy Murray as he confirms ‘singles is enough for me’
Andy Murray will play singles for first time since 2017.
-
NewsContenders for the Wimbledon women’s title: From Simona Halep to Serena Williams and Coco Gauff
Ten women to watch at the All England Club.
-
NewsWimbledon will look very different this year – here is what to expect at the 2021 Championships
Centre Court will host capacity crowds for the finals.
-
NewsContenders for the Wimbledon men’s title: From Novak Djokovic to Roger Federer and a dark horses
Ten players to watch at the All England Club.
-
NewsWimbledon’s home away from home regulation ‘will be very odd’ for British No 1 Johanna Konta
Johanna Konta is one of 14 British players in the singles main draws.
-
WimbledonFive Wimbledon talking points: A potential last hurrah for Andy Murray while Serena Williams goes for history
The Championships are back after the 2020 break.
-
NewsOns Jabeur creates a slice of tennis history with a win in the LTA Viking Classic
Ons Jabeur earned herself a place in the history books.