Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal in front of a record-breaking crowd at the Match In Africa in Cape Town.
Federer, whose mother Lynette was born in South Africa, won the charity match 6-4 3-6 6-3.
The crowd of 51,954 is reported to be the largest to watch a tennis match.
“It was such a privilege to be here tonight,” said Federer, who before the match was given a South Africa rugby jersey by Springboks World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi.
“It was an absolute pleasure to share the court with Rafa again. It really is very special on so many levels. This is so much more than just tennis and I really hope we can do it again.”
This was the sixth edition of the Match In Africa, with proceeds going to the Roger Federer Foundation.
Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka featured in the event in 2014 and 2017 respectively after Federer and Nadal contested the inaugural edition in 2010.
“The energy has been fantastic,” said Nadal. “We can’t describe our feelings. It is a lifetime experience playing in front of such an amazing crowd in such an amazing stadium.
“Well done to Roger, his family and all his team because the organisation of this event has been fantastic. It’s a big pleasure to be part of it and encourage Roger for this good cause. He is doing a great job. We try to give much as much as we can because we have been very lucky.
Before the singles match, Federer teamed up with Bill Gates to beat Nadal and comedian Trevor Noah in a doubles match.
Proceeds will support children’s education in Africa.
WATCH: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal Produce Insane 52 Shot Rally During Doubles Exhibition
It was a festive Friday evening in Cape Town, South Africa with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal rallying in the city. Along with the two pillars of the sport, the co-founder of Microsoft Bill Gates and the comedian Trevor Noah hit a few balls.
All four of them had a pleasant time, and they entertained the spectators to their fullest. They played a doubles match where Federer and Gates teamed up. And Nadal and Noah were on the other side of the court.
With Roger Federer grunting in rally (which he never really does), all four of them produced collectively produced a 52 shot entertaining rally in Cape Town.
The ‘Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’ face-off in South Africa remarked the attendance of 51,954 spectators in the stadium. It’s a new world record for a tennis match. The duo raised US $3.5 million for the Roger Federer Foundation. And that was the highest amount ever raised in the ‘Match for Africa’ series since it began in 2010.
“This is more than just tennis” – Roger Federer on playing Rafael Nadal in South Africa
“I think the people wanted to see us play proper tennis and not just be clowns,” Federer said. “It was such a privilege to be here tonight. Of course, we wanted to try and play the best tennis we can, that’s what we are world-famous for.”
World Number three Federer was happy to receive the warm hospitality from everyone the country, and the presence of Nadal made it even more special.
“It was an absolute pleasure to share the court with Rafa again, but the first time here in beautiful Cape Town in South Africa means so much more. It really is very special on so many levels. This is more than just tennis. I really hope we can do it again, that Rafa can do it again one day by coming back to this beautiful country. I’m so proud to have roots here,” Federer added.
