Roger Federer is in South Africa for his exhibition match against Rafael Nadal on Friday. The 38-year old will play Nadal at the Cape Town Stadium to raise funds for education in Africa.
“You know how it is. Life on tour sometimes is what it is. I couldn’t be more excited now that it’s actually really happening. I hope I’m going to be really fine to play. I believe I am, but we’ll see”. “Also, that Rafa is willing to do it is exciting, of course, to say the least.” Federer said.
“I know my parents are very happy, very proud, as well. I’m sure it’s going to be very, very special for me on many levels to play there.” Federer added.
When asked how does it feel to be back, the Swiss icon said: “I’m excited that this match is it’s finally just around the corner now.”
“I have family here and I love being here so it’s nice to be back and you know now it’s all about meeting people seeing people and really enjoying myself as much as I can for these next four or five days.
“I don’t know what took me so long, to be quite honest,” the Swiss Maestro said. I said, It’s not possible that I’m on the tour for 20 years, I’ve become the player that I have been, and I’ve never played in South Africa. It’s just not OK. I couldn’t live with myself if that happened.” Federer said.
The twenty-time Grand Slam tennis champion had a rough exit in the 2020 Australian Open. Despite his strong start to his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic last week.
“At the end of the day, I guess I’m very happy. I’ve gotta be happy with what I achieved. I think it was the maximum to go to get to this tournament, especially after the Millman and the Sandgren match.” Federer said.