Dubai: Roger Federer will be looking for his fourth straight Dubai Tennis Championship crown when play gets under way at the Dubai Tennis Centre later this month.
The Dubai Tennis Championships is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and takes place under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Apart from being one of the greatest players of all times, there is another side of the Swiss world No 1 that few people are aware of. He is dedicated to helping those who are less fortunate than himself.
Since May 2004, Federer Foundation has been supporting young people in South Africa through the non-governmental South Africa-Swiss organisation, IMBEWU, which campaigns for the improvement of the living conditions of adolescents in the townships near Port Elizabeth.
Federer's Foundation was established in December 2003 with the goals of funding projects that benefit disadvantaged children, and to promote sport for young people. And he is not just a figurehead. Last year he brought joy to Aids and TB-infected children by visiting the Empilweni Hospital in the township of New Brighton.
Accompanied by his parents Lynette (a native South African) and Robbie, and girlfriend Mirka, Federer participated in a soccer match with students and teachers and planted a tree at Mvisiswano Primary School.
He rounded off the day by visiting the house of an IMBEWU-sponsored child and joining in a local basketball match.
"For me it was very emotional because it's really where my help goes to. It's not just something that I will see one time and then never see it again. It's something I will be keeping in touch with," Federer said.
It is his success on the court that has allowed Federer to help others and he will demonstrate his skills once again when he plays in the Dubai.
