Roger Federer to play charity match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Roger Federer has confirmed that he will kick off his 2014 season by playing a charity match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on 8 January.

The match, dubbed ‘A night with Roger Federer and Friends’, will take place inside the Rod Laver Arena ahead of the 2014 Australian Open.

The money raised will be donated to the Roger Federer Foundation and Australian Tennis Foundation charities.

Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Federer said: “It’s going to be very entertaining, and it would be great if you could be part of it.

“Good acts, entertainment, music, light-show, clearly the match – I hope that’s what you’re coming for, to see me play against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

“We’ve had some great exhibitions in the past where we really light up the crowd. I know I’m going to be playing good tennis and it’s a great way to kick off the Australian Open.

“I’m celebrating ten years since my first victory in Australia, and I’m celebrating ten years of the Roger Federer Foundation. I spoke with Tennis Australia to see if we could do something a bit fun, a bit different as well, and I hope that’s why people are going to join in the action.

“I hope it’s going to be a sell-out night and we will raise awareness and raise a lot of money if possible and just have a good time. That was the idea behind it and it is all coming true.

“I’m looking forward to the day that I step on to Rod Laver Arena and do it.”