Ermelo-born former ATP tennis player John-Laffnie de Jager sat down with The South African’s Dave Marshall to discuss the Match in Africa between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Before the Match in Africa, there was a moment of serendipity that foreshadowed the event years earlier. “Robbie Koenig and I went to the accreditation office at the Basel Open to get our passes,” De Jager recalls.

“The lady asked me to write my name down. I did, and she said, ‘John Laffnie de Jager, you’re from South Africa?’ I said yes. She smiled and said, ‘Oh, I’m South African too – from Kempton Park.

I’m married to a Swiss guy, and my son is a ball boy here.’” It turned out she was Lynette Federer, Roger Federer’s mother. “I started chatting with her, and it was such a small-world moment,” De Jager says. Lifelong connection Years later, Lynette told them she felt bad for having met two South Africans, thinking she came across as a typical mother convinced her son would be the next world number one.

“I said, ‘You didn’t sound like that at all,’” De Jager laughs. That day marked the beginning of a lifelong connection. Federer, then just a ball boy, was someone De Jager would follow closely during the early years of his career – the first four years of Federer’s tour coincided with the last four years of De Jager’s.

Over time, they became friends, sharing a bond strong enough that Federer would affectionately call him “Swaeri” – Afrikaans for “brother-in-law.” “I remember telling him years ago, ‘I know one day you’re going to come to South Africa,’” De Jager says. And when the opportunity arose to host one of the most spectacular tennis events in history, that prediction became reality. “I’ve known Roger since he was 12,” De Jager recalls.

“I met him in Basel, Switzerland, when he was a ball boy. Over the years, our paths crossed on tour, and we became friends. I knew one day he’d come to South Africa, and I wanted to make it happen.” Culmination of years of planning In 2020, South Africa witnessed a sporting spectacle unlike any other: the Match in Africa, featuring Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the Cape Town Stadium.

For John-Laffnie de Jager, the event was the culmination of years of planning, personal connections, and a dream to bring world-class tennis to his home country. The logistics were monumental. The stadium, normally a rugby venue, had never hosted a tennis match.

“There were no backdrops, no fencing, and the ball boys were off the court. We had to build ramps, figure out stage set-ups, and coordinate everything from scratch,” De Jager says. Largest tennis audience The result was historic.

Tickets sold out in just nine and a half minutes, drawing a crowd of 51 954 – a record for the largest tennis audience in history. At one point, over 54 000 people were in the stadium. “Roger and Rafa were incredible,” De Jager says.

“The South African crowd loved it. The energy was unbelievable.” One of the most memorable moments involved Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. Kolisi, tasked with presenting a Springbok rugby jersey to Federer, was visibly nervous.

“I had to guide him, tell him exactly how to walk and hand it over. When Roger put the jersey on, the crowd went wild – it was magical,” De Jager recalls. Accessibility De Jager also emphasised accessibility: ticket prices ranged from R28 000 for VIP front-row seats to as low as R100 for general admission, ensuring everyone could experience the event.

“Roger wanted everyone to have access. It wasn’t just about the elite – it was about the fans,” De Jager says. Before the spectacle, the event started leaving an impression on South African sport.

CEOs, schools, and fans alike were captivated. “The headmaster of my former school called me on the Monday before the event to jokingly say – 90% of his teachers were flying to Cape Town to watch the match,” said De Jager. “It was emotional.

Everyone who influenced my life was there, except my mum and dad who had already passed away. It felt like a full circle.” Celebration of sport Even amidst logistical challenges – high winds, stadium maintenance, and massive crowds – De Jager remembers crawling under the stadium to check the court mid-match. “It was incredible, just special to be part of it.

Federer, Nadal, and even Roger’s mother, Lynette, were unforgettable. This was tennis at its very best.” The Match in Africa wasn’t just a tennis match; it was a celebration of sport, friendship, and South African pride, leaving memories that fans and organisers alike will never forget. Dave Marshall caught up with John-Laffnie de Jager at the 2026 Australian Open in Melbourne, exclusively for The South African.