Federer and Nadal Set to Renew Friendly Rivalry in Cape Town

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Federer and Nadal Set to Renew Friendly Rivalry in Cape Town

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are ready to renew their rivalry on friendly terms, in Cape Town, Africa.

But it won’t be on Nadal’s preferred red clay—it will just look that way. “We got the orange color, for Rafa, so he feels like he’s on clay—but it’s hard courts,” Federer joked in this video on his social media.

🤯🥳 🇿🇦 #MatchInAfrica #CapeTown pic.twitter.com/E8Drm2DPNp
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 6, 2020

The match is set to take place at Cape Town Stadium, which has a capacity of more than 50,000. Bill Gates and Trevor Noah will also be on hand to play celebrity doubles with the two legends.

Friday's charity exhibition will be the sixth edition of this event, but the first event in Africa, where Federer and Nadal will attempt to set a new tennis attendance record. The current record? A crowd of 42,217 watched an exhibition match between Federer and Alexander Zverev at Plaza de Toros Mexico bullring in Mexico City in November.

All proceeds from the match will benefit children’s education in South Africa. It is a cause that is near and dear to Federer’s heart. His mother hails from South Africa.

"This Match in Africa is a dream come true," said Federer. "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. I feel privileged to have other leading philanthropists on board to entertain millions of people in the stadium and on TV. It will be a once-in-a lifetime moment for my family and I."

Federer spent time earlier this week in Namibia, looking after his Foundation and meeting with teachers and children.

Many thanks to President Geingob and our Namibian partners for hosting me.
It was such an inspirational visit. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of a vibrant movement to enhance school readiness in the country.
Because children are tomorrow’s future. #CAFO #LLCL #WAD pic.twitter.com/GRHTn4QALv
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 5, 2020