It’s great to see champions giving something back, and when it’s two of the best tennis players the world has seen, it’s even more special. Early next week Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal play a special challenge match in which all the proceeds go to the Roger Federer Foundation. This year their focus is on Africa with the match titled – “the Match for Africa”. And, like all sporting contests, avid tennis betting fans can have a punt on the match.

For the record, Roger Federer is favourite at 1/2 with Nadal at 22/13. Will it be a serious match is the first question that may spring to mind. The answer is undoubtedly yes. Nadal has just been announced as the  2010 player of the year, and with three slams to his record this year, Federer would like nothing more than to finish the season with a win.

The event will no doubt be filled with surprises – these types of events always are. You can expect a stream of stars from sport and entertainment dropping in to add their Swiss Francs to the pot. The sponsors, of course, will make an equally big show of their donation to the pot while online bookmakers will be hoping we add to their Christmas pot – and many will.

In the spirit of the battle to finish the year at number one, and because he’s at much better odds, we’ll tip Nadal to win in a close match. It is after all a challenge match, and Nadal is always ready to face a challenge, especially when it comes in the form of Roger Federer.