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Yesterday in Zurich, it was Roger Federer who defeated Rafael Nadal but today in Madrid it was a different story.
The world number 1 beat Federer 7-6 4-6 6-1 in Madrid during the exhibition tennis match called ‘Joining Forces for the benefit of Children’ to raise funds in favour of the Rafa Nadal Foundation.
The money they raised at the Caja Magica will go to help children with disabilities as well as those who come from disadvantaged communities.
“To me, today is a very special day. I am lucky enough to be able to do what I love to do which is to play tennis, but at the same time, through my Foundation, I get the opportunity to help hundreds of kids who are not as lucky.”. Said Nadal before the match.
“I want to thank Roger, the people who have come out to see us, and our sponsors for allowing us to make this project a reality,” said the Spaniard.
“I want to thank David Bisbal for his help and for joining us in such a special day. I’m sure the crowd will really enjoy his music,” he added.
After the match,Nadal and Federer will attend the ‘Galería de Cristales del Ayuntamiento de Madrid’ for a gala dinner which will close out a two-day charity. This social event will be attended by elite sport stars, fashion icons and other famous Spanish personalities who will be treated to a private concert by Julio Iglesias.
“I give my most sincere thanks to Julio for making such a long trip to be with us. I’ve always been a fan of his and for me and my Foundation, it is an honour to have one of the biggest international artists participating at this charity event,” continued the Spaniard.
Today, Nadal was in danger of seeing history repeat itself when he surrendered the second set, like he did yesterday, but he battled back with two breaks in the third.
After trading breaks to start the match, the set headed to a tie-break after Federer faced down three break points at 4-all and Nadal saved a set point in the next game. Rafa took the mini-break to go up 3-1 in the tie-break and sealed the set with an ace.
Federer secured the only service break in the fifth game of the second set, but Nadal quickly took control in the third, racing out to a 3-0 lead. He converted on double break point opportunity to go up 5-1.
Nadal sealed the win with a powerfully angled forehand crosscourt shot.
Nadal says Federer’s “gesture to play a game here to raise funds for needy people is incredibly generous.”
Federer responded by saying it is wonderful that Nadal supports charities “at such a young age.”
“I just can say thank you very much to Roger to come here to Madrid and support my Foundation today,” said Nadal. “I did yesterday, and both of us are very happy that we can finally have this event and raise a lot of money for these kids. I know with what we’re going to raise yesterday and today, it’s not going to be decisive for that, but it will be a help and if everybody is convinced that everybody can help, it’s going to be important to improve a little bit this world.”
Photo AP
