MY television is constantly streaming some live sporting fixture involving testosterone-infused individuals competing for a ball, and none of it ever seems to hold my attention for any notable period of time.
But I think I’ve finally found a sporting event that I will actually enjoy – the upcoming ‘Match in Africa 6’ tennis contest with legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer partnering with Trevor Noah and Bill Gates respectively.
When Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Switzerland’s Roger Federer go head-to-head in any tennis contest, audiences can be assured of some high-stakes on-court action. But team them up with tech billionaire, Bill Gates, alongside the comedy stylings of South Africa’s own Trevor Noah, and you’ve got some high-quality televised entertainment lined up.
In addition to being one of tennis’ all-time greatest players, Roger Federer is a well-known philanthropist who raises funds for children’s sport and education globally, with a particular emphasis on the African continent.
Through The Roger Federer Foundation, he has played five previous ‘Match in Africa’ celebrity tournaments against Nadal, with this being the first-ever match played in Africa.
Commenting on the upcoming contest, Federer said: ‘This Match in Africa is a dream come true. I will play in my mother’s home country against my toughest rival and friend Rafa Nadal. We share not only the love for tennis but also for the good cause of giving children a better start in education and in life. I feel privileged to have other leading philanthropists on board to entertain millions of people in the stadium and on TV. It will be a once-in-a lifetime moment for my family and I.’
Rafael Nadal said: ‘Roger and I have shared so many magical moments on and off the court. Travelling with him to Cape Town and playing for the benefit of children is something I am very excited about. It will be my first time in the region with Roger as a tour guide – that will be fun.’
Nadal and Federer will do battle on Friday, February 7 at 8.30pm in Cape Town with the doubles’ curtain-raiser – featuring Daily Show host, Trevor Noah, and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates – taking place at 7.30pm.
Match in Africa 6 Participant Fast Facts
1. Roger Federer’s mother was born in Gauteng, South Africa
2. Both Roger Federer and Trevor Noah’s fathers are Swiss-German
3. Bill Gates ranks No. 2 on Forbes’ list of billionaires, with a net worth of $96.5 billion in 2019
4. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have played each other 40 times, with Nadal leading 24-16 in wins
5. Rafael Nadal has 19 Grand Slam singles titles, the second-most in history for a male player
6. Roger Federer has 20 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in history by a male player
7. Trevor Noah was ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ list of highest-earning stand-up comedians in 2019 with $28 million
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