Federer's Memorabilia Auction Raises More Than £1.3 Million For His Foundation
Roger Federer hopes to win his ninth title at The Championships over the coming fortnight. But the Swiss superstar has already earned a major victory for charity.
The 39-year-old donated a collection of personal items for auction at Christie’s to raise money for his Roger Federer Foundation. On Wednesday, a live evening auction raised more than £1.3 million to support the foundation’s work in Southern Africa and Switzerland.
"Every piece in these auctions represents a moment in my tennis career and enables me to share a part of my personal archive with my fans around the world," Federer said when the auction was first announced earlier this year. "More importantly, the proceeds will support The Roger Federer Foundation to help us continue to deliver educational resources to children in Africa and Switzerland."
The outfit and racquet from his 2007 Wimbledon and 2009 Roland Garros final wins, respectively, each raised £187,500. Other items that were auctioned include his outfit and racquet from when he won 2009 Wimbledon and the cardigan he wore while walking onto Centre Court to play the final at The Championships in 2012.
Plenty more money will be raised, as on Wednesday an online auction opened, including 300 lots from across Federer’s career, from the Sydney Olympics in 2000 to the recent Gonet Geneva Open. More than 50 lots have starting bids at £100. The online auction will conclude on 14 July. View Online Auction