Roger Federer beats Andy Murray in Match for Africa 3

Roger Federer is on a break. But he’s still playing the kind of tennis that won him the BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open over the last few weeks.

Federer hosted Andy Murray in Zurich Monday night, for the third of his “Match for Africa” charity fundraising exhibitions.

Not that it matters, but Federer defeated Murray 6-3, 7-6 (6).

The hit-and-giggle show featured some of the usual exhibition moves: a Tweener from Federer, a serve hit from … the service line and ballkid substitutions.

Murray offered his racquet to one of the ballboys at match point against him. Not only did the kid take him up on it, he insisted on taking a look at ALL the tennis ball on the court before selecting two.

Just like the pros do!

(He picked the wrong two, because he double-faulted. But the pros do that as well).

It was announced at the conclusion of the match that the evening had raised 1.4 million Swiss francs to that point (that’s roughly the same in US dollars).

Supporters can still continue to donate on the event’s website until April 18.

Federer will return the favour to Murray Nov. 7 when they have a rematch in Murray’s hometown of Dunblane, Scotland. The proceeds will go to UNICEF.

That’s the week between the Paris Indoor Masters 1000 event and the ATP Tour Finals in London. So it works out well.

Federer will be back in action against John Isner in Seattle April 29 in Match For Africa – 4. The one Monday night was, No. 3. Originally scheduled for last fall, it was postponed because of Federer’s injury issues.

In an interview after the match, Murray said he was hopeful his bad elbow was progressing enough that he can play the Masters 1000 Monte Carlo event, which starts in a week. “If not, I’ll have to be patient and wait until the following week,” he said.

Federer re-iterated that he didn’t plan to be back on the match court for awhile. “I should be back for the French Open. That’s the plan,” he said.

(Screengrabs: Eurosport)