Roger Federer confirmed his participation for this year’s Madrid Open on Wednesday, marking
his return to the European clay court season after two years away.
The 20-times Grand Slam champion has not played this year since his Australian Open round of
16 defeat by Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in January.
Federer, whose sole French Open title came in 2009, has preferred to skip the European clay
season over the last two seasons to manage his schedule.
The 37-year-old Swiss is the second most successful player at the Caja Magica behind Rafael
Nadal, winning three titles in 2006, 2009 and 2012.
“Federer is one of the best players of all time, it’s no secret,” tournament director Feliciano Lopez
said in a statement.
“We are happy because his return to Madrid is a gift to the tournament, but above all the fans will
be able to see a unique player in the Caja Magica. Having the Swiss player back on clay with
Djokovic and Nadal is going to be unmissable.”
World No 1 Novak Djokovic and 11-times French Open winner Nadal are also expected to feature
at the Madrid Open, which will be played from May 3-12.
Mikel named
