Like a swarm of bees getting attracted to beautiful flowers, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal had the unique ability to pull the crowds wherever they played. They have officially faced each other 40 times in their careers. Although Nadal has the edge over the Swiss Maestro in the H2H (24-16), they always had this inclination towards breaking records, no matter whether it was a final match or an exhibition match. A similar incident happened four years ago in South Africa when the long-time rivals took on each other in a friendly exhibition match.

The Match for Africa was a series of exhibition matches organized by Roger Federer, where he raised more than $3 million for early childhood education. Federer’s mother was born in South Africa so he has a special connection to this country. Elaborating on his experience from that exhibition match with Nadal he said, “I love playing exhibition matches.” He further added that he went on to play across different continents during his career. But two venues are still vividly portrayed in his mind.

“We played in a Bull Ring, 40,000 people which was a record at that time (people in a tennis arena). And then we broke the record yet again with Rafa in Cape Town. We played in front of the 52,000 people and then COVID hit. So, nobody could break the record anymore,” Roger Federer. He has been funding schooling, transport, and food for six southern African countries, including South Africa. Seeing both the tennis legends from such a close distance was a dream come true for South African kids.

Who knows, one among them might make a breakthrough in the upcoming years and tell us the same story involving this historic exhibition match! The sixth edition, called ‘The Match in Africa’ took place in Cape Town. It also featured a match between Roger Federer and Bill Gates facing Rafael Nadal and Trevor Noah. According to several reports, the event drew near about 51,954 spectators. This was in fact the highest attendance ever recorded at any tennis match. What did the tennis legends say after that historic exhibition match?

“It’s a lifetime experience” – Rafael Nadal on facing Roger Federer in front of such a big crowd

Roger Federer defeated Rafael Nadal by 6-4,3-6,6-3 in that match. He said afterward, “It was an absolute pleasure to share the court with Rafa again, but the first time here in beautiful Cape Town in South Africa.” He further went on to add, “It means so much more, and it really is very, very special on so many levels.” This match from February 7, 2020, marks one of the most iconic matches involving the two greatest tennis players of all time.

Then his long-time rival joined him saying, “We tried our best as always. It’s a lifetime experience playing in front of such an amazing crowd in an amazing stadium. It was a big pleasure for me to be part of it.” Since Federer has already taken retirement and Nadal will also put an end to his illustrious career at the end of this season. Tennis fans wonder whether they’ll yet again get the chance to witness these two in an exhibition match. Share your thoughts on this historic exhibition match in the comment box.