'Emotional' Federer to honour Rod Laver at charity event

Roger Federer is keeping mum about Rod Laver's specific involvement in his big night out at Melbourne Park next month to mark the 10th anniversary of his charity foundation and first Australian Open triumph, according to reports.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 17-times grand slam champion will commandeer Rod Laver Arena on January 8, taking on charismatic Frenchman and Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime tennis and entertainment event.

Federer has shared several emotional moments with Laver at the very same venue over the years and said it was only fitting to pay tribute to his idol on such a special evening, the report added.

With the Swiss superstar's mother from South Africa, he also decided to assist impoverished children in southern Africa, chiefly providing education for youngsters between three and 12, the report said.

A decade on and Federer says his foundation now helps more than 80,000 children a year, the report mentioned.