Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will participate in the sixth Match for Africa in South Africa
Swiss ace Roger Federer has been doing a lot of work in South Africa ahead of his Match for Africa clash against Rafael Nadal.
This would be the sixth match in the now yearly series for the Roger Federer Foundation and also features a celebrity match that sees Microsoft owner Bill Gates and comedian Trevor Noah take part.
Federer has been doing the rounds and building up the event while Nadal was launching his Rafa Nadal Academy in Kuwait recently.
However, Federer still had time to showcase his tennis skills to South Africa rugby captain Siya Kolisi.
The 28-year-old rugby star became the country’s first black player to take up that role, and he led the Springboks to a win in the 2019 World Cup final.
Kolisi and Federer were volleying the tennis ball on a small court with many fans cheering them on.
The South African added that he was not Nadal, but Federer quipped back that he didn’t want another Spaniard on the tour.
Last thing anyone needs is another Nadal on tour! 😂🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/mmcoivRDfr
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 6, 2020
Fans love Federer’s reaction
Nadal and Federer have been involved in some mighty tussles in the French Open and Wimbledon over the years.
The pair still hold mutual respect for one another, with Federer having played a charity game in Spain against Nadal a few years back.
Nadal and Federer also hold 39 Grand Slam titles between them and with the French Open coming up followed by Wimbledon, the pair could extend that further.
Many fans saw the funny side of the Swiss star’s comments and shared some hilarious reactions to the reply:
https://twitter.com/misszy08/status/1225456999799738368?s=20
https://twitter.com/MaryamNoorRizw1/status/1225460243871784962?s=20
Why are you the way that you are? You're so savage.
— Ems 💗 (@belly_ems) February 6, 2020
— Doris (@Dorli_Wi) February 6, 2020
Where do you get so much of sportsmanship from 🙏
— OMG (@omgs_tweets) February 6, 2020
Never retire, do you hear me😅
— Goatlito fan (@RahulMoghe1) February 6, 2020
Roger probably has a secret Rafael Nadal fan account
— … (@63notout_) February 6, 2020
Well, the only thing that is sure is there won't be anyone like you, Roger ☺️
— Klaudia (@klaudia_cs93) February 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/Nabiha_7/status/1225456894787117057?s=20
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/xqoOaJ0f5z
— RogerFedererStanForever❤️🥺 (@SampadaMoghe) February 6, 2020
Each Match for Africa event has raised close to $1million over the years, and tickets have already been sold out for the show-piece event in Cape Town.
More Tennis news
-
“It’s not forever” – Rafael Nadal knows Tennis career isn’t forever and is planning for future
-
Dominic Thiem admits matches against Rafael Nadal are most intense
-
Rafael Nadal wishes Kim Clijsters “all the best” ahead of return but unsure of success
Federer and Nadal have had some incredible matches over the years, but with the pressure down on this, there should be a lot of fun and madness as the pair light it up in South Africa.
Follow our dedicated Tennis page for instant Tennis news and updates