“He only knows his career with me on the court. I knew a few years without him, which was nice, because there was no Rafa which made things a little bit easier! 

“But then there was Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. He’s been wonderful for the game, promoted this sport in the best possible way. 

“He’s got a huge fanbase and I’m sure a lot of you guys are Rafa fans. He deserves everything and all the praise, he’s a great person. 

“To get together and do things for a good cause, it’s only but normal for both of us.”

Federer also spoke of his philanthropic efforts, with this the sixth Match for Africa with the first having taken place in Zurich, Switzerland back in December 2010.