Switzerland's Roger Federer (C) poses with compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka (2nd L) and artists after "The match for Africa 2" charity tennis match in Zurich December 21, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann
Switzerland's Roger Federer (C) poses with compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka (2nd L) and artists after "The match for Africa 2" charity tennis match in Zurich December 21, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann REUTERS

On Dec. 21, two of the most successful Swiss tennis athletes, Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka, have battled for a cause at the Hallenstadion in Zurich. The charity event billed as The Match For Africa 2 presented by Rolex was staged to benefit the Roger Federer Foundation.

According to the official Web site of Association of Tennis Professionals, or ATP, a total of 11,000 tennis fans were in attendance at the event, which reportedly raised 1.3 million Swiss Francs. The crowd was entertained by world-class tennis, in addition to the traditional African dance and song.

The exhibition charity match lasted for one hour and 33 minutes. Federer triumphed over compatriot and Davis Cup teammate Wawrinka in straight sets 7-6 (4), 6-4. Federer, who currently ranks World number two, won the first game in a tie-break and remained determined to beat Wawrinka.

Speaking about the charity exhibition match, Wawrinka said in an article posted on Federer's Web site that it has always been a pleasure for him to play with Federer. He said he always looks forward of being part of an event for an important cause, especially helping underprivileged children.

Roger Federer Foundation

Federer's foundation has helped 146,000 children from different parts of Africa, including Zambia, Bostwana, Namibia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. In Federer's home country Switzerland, a total of 400 children is currently benefiting from his charitable organisation. The 17-time Grand Slam champion's foundation engages youngsters by giving them the opportunity to take their future into their own hands and have dynamic influence in forming it. Federer's foundation's main goal is to provide a decent education for children. The foundation aims to be able to extend assistance to more than one million children in 3 years' time.

Federer and Wawrinka met three times in the 2014 season. Wawrinka rallied past Federer to win his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title, 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, in April. The pair clashed again at the quarterfinals of Wimbledon and the semifinals of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, and Federer triumphed in both occasions. Federer still leads their head-to-head record with 15-2.

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