Federer and Nadal Win At Home For Charity

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 23rd December 2010

Federer and Nadal Win At Home For Charity |

Ever the host, Roger Federer showed up at the Zurich, Switzerland airport to ferry Rafael Nadal to his hotel and treat the world’s top-ranked player to lunch followed by a 90-minute tour of Zurich.

Ever the competitor, Federer protected his home court by defeating Nadal 4-6 6-3 6-3 Tuesday in the first of two “Match For Africa” exhibition contests.

“This is a special match to me that I’ll remember forever,” Federer told the crowd after the match.

A jovial Nadal stressed the reason for the exhibitions. Tuesday’s match benefited Federer’s charity that funds sports and education programs in Africa.

“The important thing is the money for his (Federer) foundation; for very good causes; for the kids; for the people that need help,” Nadal said.

But not to be outdone, twenty four hours later, Nadal was able to avenge his loss in Switzerland, beating Federer 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 6-1.

“I say thank you very much to Roger for coming here to Madrid and supporting my foundation today,” the nine-time grand slam winner said, “both of us are very happy that we can finally have this event and raise a lot of money for these kids. I know that with what we’re going to raise … it’s not going to be decisive but it will be a help. It’s going to be important to improve this world a little bit.”

Topics: Africa, Charity, Competitor, Crowd, Education Programs, Exhibition Contests, Exhibitions, Grand Slam Winner, Little Bit, Lot, Madrid, Match, Money, People, Rafael Nadal, Reason, Roger Federer, Sports, Twenty Four Hours, Zurich Switzerland