Roger Federer, with a record of 20 Grand Slam victories, defeated World No.1 Rafael Nadal in the three-set charity Match in Africa contest 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 at Cape Town, on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Federer hoped he can still play for a bit longer in future after earning more than $3.5 million raised for the Roger Federer Foundation.
“I hope I can still play for a bit longer. We’ll see how much more. But there’s still lots to look forward to. In my dreams, I never dreamed this far. I hoped to win just one Wimbledon. If he [Nadal] catches me, it’s OK.” Federer said.
Federer’s mother was born in South Africa and the Swiss wanted to play there before ending his professional tennis career. South Africa has a special place at the heart of Federer and the Swiss regret not having visited the country in the past two decades.
“I am very happy to be back in South Africa. And I am delighted that the match is coming. I have family here and I have wanted to come back for years,” Federer said.
“It really connects all the points – playing tennis, raising funds and doing it in South Africa, which is very special for me. I’m very glad it’s here. I think it’s going to be pretty touching because I’ve wanted to play in South Africa for years.
“With ‘The Match in Africa’, the idea was not to make tickets incredibly expensive. We are aiming for something that moves the masses and perhaps also gives to people who usually cannot afford to make a professional tennis match a chance to experience it.
“I loved my vacation here in South Africa when I was a kid. I remember this vacation like it was yesterday and I wish I could have come more often in the past 20 years.” he added.
