MADRID: Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-1 Wednesday to square a two-match exhibition series for charity between the world's top-ranked tennis players. Nadal sealed the win with a powerfully angled forehand crosscourt shot in front of a capacity crowd at Caja Magica sports arena that included many of Spain's leading dignitaries. 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.” Federer beat Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 Tuesday in the opening match in Zurich, Switzerland. Federer sealed victory on Nadal's serve with a backhand crosscourt return for a winner in front of 10,000 spectators at the sold-out Hallenstadion indoor arena. It was the first time they have played each other in Federer's native Switzerland. The match raised money for the Roger Federer Foundation which backs educational work with children in Africa. It currently supports projects in Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and his mother's native South Africa. “This is a special match for me, which I will remember forever,” Federer said. “It was an unforgettable experience. I'm very happy to be part of this event,” Nadal said. The good-natured match was the showpiece of a telethon-like event broadcast live by Swiss television. Swiss sports stars, including Olympic champion cyclist Fabian Cancellara and Alpine skier Didier Cuche, helped auction prizes they donated. Also attending was United States skier Lindsey Vonn. The Olympic women's downhill champion is a fan and friend of Federer, and arrived in Zurich hours after competing in a World Cup slalom race in Courchevel, France. Djokovic supports father Serbia's top tennis player Novak Djokovic has expressed support for his father's initiative to topple the country's tennis federation (TSS) leadership and the body's president Slobodan Zivojinovic. Djokovic senior and Zivojinovic clashed after Serbia won its first Davis Cup title earlier this month with a 3-2 win over France in Belgrade. “I'm really sorry that the situation is almost out of control but changes are inevitable,” world No. 3 Djokovic said on his website (www.novak djokovic.rs). “The Tennis Association needs new people in order to finally build a national tennis center and provide better conditions for young talents to progress. “I have to say my father has no intention of taking any position in the TSS, but to present to all clubs the functioning of the concept he represents. “He does it very successfully and we fully support him because prosperity and well-being are guaranteed with the new management,” said Djokovic.
