Roger Federer sets up charity doubles match with Bill Gates

Tennis icon Roger Federer and software tycoon Bill Gates will form a doubles pairing in a charity match in March. Federer – a 19-time grand slam champion – will take to the court alongside Microsoft co-founder Gates at The Match for Africa 5 in San Jose, California on March 5.

The Australian Open and Wimbledon title-holder will team up with Gates against American Jack Sock and television personality Savannah Guthrie in a one-set doubles match at the SAP Center, with net proceedings benefiting the Roger Federer Charitable Fund/Roger Federer Foundation.

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Federer re-match with Gates in California

Federer, who played a charity match with Gates in Seattle last year, will then face world number nine Sock in a best-of-three-sets exhibition clash. "I believe in the power of people. We know that a good education is a decisive factor to empower children by allowing them to take their future into their own hands," said Federer, whose foundation has already donated $36million to support children's education in Africa. "With my foundation, we want to provide one million children with the opportunity for a quality education by the end of 2018. The Match for Africa Five in San Jose will help us reach our ambitious goals. I am very grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with Bill Gates, who in my opinion is the world's leading philanthropist."

Gates added: "Roger and I are 1-0 as a doubles pair after last year’s event, so I'm hoping we can keep the streak alive while raising money for an important cause. Roger might have a few more Grand Slam titles than I do, but we share a belief that all children deserve a world-class education. His Match for Africa events are a fun way to help make that happen."

Federer is preparing for tomorrow's semi-final clash with Korean star Hyeon Chung at the Australian Open.