What’s the story?
18-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is set to have a new doubles partner. The Swiss ace is planning to team up with philanthropist and founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, in a high profile exhibition match in Seattle. The match is scheduled to be played against American John Isner, and a yet-to-be-revealed celebrity.
In case you didn’t know…
Federer has won 18 Grand Slams throughout his career, the latest of which was his Australian Open victory earlier this season.
Meanwhile, the charity this match is being played for works towards improving the quality of education in Africa and the proceeds from the match will go towards the same.
The doubles match featuring Bill Gates and Federer isn’t the only attraction, though. The event will also include a best of three sets singles exhibition match between Federer and Isner for the same cause.
The heart of the matter
Isner will have a celebrity partner whose identity is yet to be revealed. The promotional video for the game features Gates excitedly cheering Federer on during a training session, repeatedly distracting him.
Also read: QUIZ: How much do you know about Roger Federer?
Gates then makes an offer to fill up an arena for the legend which the Swiss instantly agrees to and makes it known that they will be playing together on April 29 in Seattle.
The one-off game will be titled Match 4 Africa and the proceeds will go to the Roger Federer Charitable Fund and the Roger Federer Foundation.
What’s next?
In spite of his age, the Swiss ace seems to have returned to the splendid form that made him the best player on the planet for a long period. He won the Australian Open playing some of the best tennis of his life and is currently on a break till the French Open, which allows him to participate in such productive activities.
Author’s Take
Bill Gates and Federer are two of the most influential men on the planet. Both have spent a lot of effort setting up charities to support various causes worldwide. Combining the forces of the world’s richest man and the world’s best tennis player can only result in good things on and off the pitch.
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