Roger Federer Confirms Comeback To Play On Clay At Madrid Open

The comeback of Roger Federer on clay will feature a great return to the Madrid Open for the first time since 2015. This comeback was confirmed on Wednesday. The 37-year-old for the last two years has chosen to skip the clay-court season completely for preserving energy for tournaments on his preferred surfaces of grass and hard. But in January, Federer indicated that this year he would play at the French Open while the Madrid Open has announced he will be among those competing at the Caja Magica too.

Feliciano Lopez, the Madrid Open's tournament director, said that Federer is one of the best players in history and it's no secret. They are happy because his return to Madrid is a gift for the tournament but above all for various fans, as they will be able to see a player who is unique and unparalleled.

Federer has also won the Madrid Open three times, in 2006, 2009 and 2012. His last appearance was in the year 2015 when he lost his opening match to Nick Kyrgios.

In the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, the 20-time Grand Slam champion was beaten, a year after he had claimed his last major title there. Clay has been the least favorite surface of Federer. He has only once won the French Open. This win has not gone past the quarter-finals in Paris since 2012. Federer, when asked last month regarding returning to Roland Garros, said that he is in a moment where he wants to have fun. When asked last month about returning to Roland Garros. He also added that it’s a personal desire. He feels like he doesn't need to take a big break again. Roger Federer has confirmed his participation for Madrid Open on Wednesday, marking his come back to the European clay court season after two years away.

Since his defeat by Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open last 16 in January, the 20-times grand slam title winner has not played. Federer has preferred to skip the European clay events over the past two seasons for managing his schedule.

By: Preeti Narula

Content: https://sports.ndtv.com/tennis/roger-federer-to-play-on-clay-at-madrid-open-1996652