Clay court return was special, says Roger Federer after winning Madrid opener
Roger Federer described his triumphant return to cay court tennis as a ‘special night’ after beating Richard Gasquet 6-2, 6-3 at the Madrid Open.
The 37-year-old, who last played competitively on the red dirt in 2016, looked like he’d never been away, needing just 53 minutes to send the Frenchman packing.
Afterwards, though, he admitted there were nerves ahead of the match.
“I’ve missed the clay-court season for some time now,” said Federer.
“It was a great return. It was a sort of special night for me.”
“I was actually very calm all day waiting for the match. I only felt the nerves when I was talking about the tactics.
“All of a sudden I was a bit nervous two hours before the match. But it all went away once the match started.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
NewsFive players out of French Open qualifying following positive coronavirus tests
Two players set to take part in the qualifying tournament have tested positive for Covid-19.
-
NewsNovak Djokovic survives scare to advance to Italian Open final
A limited number of spectators were allowed to watch the last four ties in Rome.
-
NewsSimona Halep holds off Garbine Muguruza to reach third Italian Open final
Halep is looking for a first title in Rome.
-
NewsRafael Nadal hopeful he can address the issues in his game before French Open
Nadal lost 6-2, 7-5 to Schwartzman in Rome.
-
NewsRafael Nadal beaten by Diego Schwartzman in Rome quarter-final
Nadal beaten in straight sets by Schwartzman.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe 2020 French Open: When is it, the high-profile absentees, TV channels, betting, prize money
A lowdown on the 2020 French Open.
-
Tennis FeaturesA list of Rafael Nadal’s defeats on clay. Can you name the players who have beaten him on the red dirt?
Only 24 players have beaten Rafael Nadal on clay.
-
ATP TourNovak Djokovic loses his cool again, obliterates his racket and admits ‘I’ll probably do it again’
Don’t expect Novak Djokovic to change any time soon.
-
ATP TourFrank Rafael Nadal after losing against Diego Schwartzman: ‘Now is not the moment to find excuses’
‘How I can fix it?’ asks Nadal after Rome exit.
-
NewsSimona Halep dreaming of maiden Italian Open crown after reaching semi-finals
Halep has twice been beaten in the final at the Foro Italico.