Zurich, 21 December 2014 – A perfect blend of world-class tennis and African rhythms set the audience alight in the sold-out Hallenstadion just before Christmas. RThe two heroes of the 2014 Davis Cup final in Lille generated proceeds of CHF 1.3  million that will go to the Roger Federer Foundation, which helps disadvantaged children in Africa and Switzerland.  A total of 11,000  spectators enjoyed an unforgettable evening in the sold-out Hallenstadion in Zurich. The two Davis  Cup champions Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka played an entertaining exhibition match to benefit the Roger Federer Foundation. They demonstrated the entire range of their skills as well as a few “magic” strokes to the sounds and rhythms of African music. The delighted audience cheered their tennis heroes and enjoyed the party for Africa. 

Ticket sales, various competitions, donations on match-for-africa.com and sponsors' donations generated a total of CHF 1.3 million. “The evening was a great experience for me. Stan and I were given a wonderful reception in the stadium. The fact that we were able to raise such a large amount for the foundation makes the evening even more special. A hearty thank-you to Stan that he made this possible”, says Roger Federer. Since its establishment over ten years ago, the Roger Federer Foundation has raised CHF 16.2 million for education programmes, thus helping 285,000  children in six countries in southern Africa and in Switzerland. By the end of 2018 the foundation aims to reach one million children and enable young people to take charge of their own future through education. This also applies to Switzerland, where children in difficult financial circumstances are helped to reach their full potential. Janine Händel, the Managing Director of the Roger Federer Foundation, is also pleased with the substantial amount raised: “With the proceeds from “The Match for Africa 2” we can reach another 30,000  children and improve the quality of over 200 kindergartens and primary schools in southern Africa”. 

Fans in the Hallenstadion were able to enjoy both world-class tennis and plenty of entertainment. Roger Federer, winner of 17 Grand Slams, and 2014 Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka engaged in fascinating rallies and  entertained the audience with numerous displays of spectacular skill. The actual result of the match was almost peripheral. “It was a lot of fun and a great end to the season”, Stan Wawrinka, who celebrated his greatest triumph around 11 months ago on winning the Australian Open, said after the match. Father of four Roger Federer thanked the audience profusely: “It was a wonderful year with lots of special moments. It means a lot to me to be able to close the season with you here in Zurich. Thank you very, very much for being part of this.”

The engrossing tennis match was rounded out by an appearance by Matchume Zango and the Ibuyamo Orchestra. This band project also supports young people, and is a commitment of the University of Cape Town. It enables musicians in Africa, also from rural regions, to find a place in the urban cultural scene without betraying their roots. It generates a stream of new cross-cultural performances and empowers young musicians to find their own way. This appearance at the Match for Africa is a rare opportunity to experience African music, and the group from Cape Town, featuring 10 singers, percussionists and dancers, got the audience in the Hallenstadion into the right mood before the match. 10-year-old Chelsea Fontenel from Canton Aargau, the world's first singing tennis player, also took centre stage. The Zurich audience was able to celebrate her talent as part of the Match for Africa.