Tennis great Roger Federer on Wednesday donated almost one million euros to help support his “most vulnerable” Swiss compatriots through the coronavirus crisis.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion and his wife donated one million Swiss francs ($1.02 million, 943,000 euros), saying nobody should be left behind as Switzerland battles the global pandemic.

According to

official figures reported to the World Health Organization, Switzerland has the

ninth-highest number of infections in the world.

According to the

Swiss health ministry, more than 8,800 people have tested positive for

COVID-19, while 86 people had died as of Monday.

“These are

challenging times for everyone and nobody should be left behind. Mirka and I

have personally decided to donate one million Swiss francs for the most

vulnerable families in Switzerland,” world number four Federer, 38, said

on Instagram.

“Our

contribution is just a start. We hope that others might join in supporting more

families in need. Together we can overcome this crisis! Stay healthy!”

On Friday the Swiss

government further tightened measures against the new coronavirus, banning all

gatherings of more than five people, while anyone standing closer than two

metres to others risks a fine.

The government had

already ordered the closure of schools and all places of leisure, including

restaurants, bars and non-food shops.