Federer and Isner rock Seattle with Match for Africa 4

SEATTLE — Leave it up to Seattle to bring rock ‘n roll energy to Roger Federer’s Match for Africa 4. The Swiss Maestro brought his 18-Grand Slam winning game to the Emerald City for exhibition matches featuring Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready and American ace king John Isner.

Federer jumped at the chance to appear in Seattle.

The collaborative foursome delighted Seattle’s enthusiastic audience with fun shots, friendly banter and playful antics.

Isner teamed with McCready in the doubles match, and he feigned no mercy by immediately cranking up an ace down the middle against Gates. The crowd gave a few mock boos, but Isner opened up the light-hearted mood for the evening.

The crowd roared their appreciation for the celebrity guests, and Federer and Isner sportingly obliged to include them with several fun volleys and set-up shots. Gates sported solid, old-school strokes and a conservative white shirt. McCready was able to finish a few winners, though his hands are certainly most gifted with a guitar in them.

With Federer serving for the set, Isner comically tried to rattle Federer by telling him not to get nervous. Federer complied with exaggerated shivers, but he and Gates held on for the 6-4 victory.

The main event featured Federer’s 6-4, 7-6 victory over Isner, highlighted by a Federer tweener and backhand passing shot that had him raising the roof with the crowd.

At the following changeover, Isner joked in his TV interview about being the victim of Federer's magic, adding that, “The worst part was Roger looking up to see the replay.”

The crowd often buzzed at Federer’s grace and Isner’s power, but the talented duo showed a lot of personality, too. Isner’s humor leaped out of the box with big smiles and expressive antics, complementing Federer’s underhanded comments and wry humor.

In another memorable moment, Federer pretended he was injured after his back was nicked by a ball, even using the racquet as a crutch.

Jokes aside, the evening helped raise over $2 million for The Roger Federation Foundation and its mission to provide educational opportunities in southern Africa. Both players graciously stayed after the matches were complete to sign autographs and talk with the media.

Seattle got one last gift from Federer, as he told the crowd, “One thing’s for sure, this is not my last time in Seattle!”