3. Hit for Haiti
In recognising the attention his tennis matches received, Federer found ways to channel the attention for a good cause. After the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, Federer organised the Hit for Haiti tournament in collaboration with his colleagues during the Australian open in 2010. Fans were entertained by the casual match between Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras, who are considered the greatest male tennis players of the last 20 years. The event raised more than $200,000 for the Haiti disaster relief and Red Cross to aid earthquake victims.
In this photo: Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras, Steffi Graf, Lindsay Davenport, Larry Ellison
Additionally, Federer supported the South African – Swiss charity IMBEWU, which educates children on social health awareness. In 2004 he visited Tamil Nadu, the Indian state which was most badly affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami and in 2006 was appointed the Goodwill Ambassador by UNICEF for his work in public raising awareness of AIDS.
Even after his retirement, Federer continues to give back to society. The #ToastToRoger initiative by Moët & Chandoninvites Federer’s friends and followers to send messages of love, appreciation, memories, and wishes for his bright future ahead on social media. For every post shared with the hashtag #ToastToRoger, Moët & Chandon will make a donation on behalf of the participants to the icon’s charity, the Roger Federer Foundation. The initiative echoes the House’s previous involvements in Roger’s philanthropic causes, such as The Match For Africa series, also conceived with the aim of raising funds for his foundation. A true gentleman in and out of the league, during his 20th-anniversary celebration in 2018, the tennis icon confessed: “One day, I wish my name to be known more for what the foundation has achieved than for my sports titles.
The sport may have lost one of its most well-loved players, but the memories and impact Federer has made on the lives of those around him will never be forgotten. His legacy remains irreplicable and he will continue to inspire and empower individuals on and off the court.
“It is our responsibility to connect with the real world beyond our sport [and] use our fortune to make a difference in the lives of those who most need it.” – Roger Federer
