Massive coup for Madrid Open as Roger Federer signs up

Shahida Jacobs 20 Feb 2019 1:18 PM

Roger Federer will make his long-awaited return to clay at this year’s Madrid Open as he will play in the Spanish tournament for the first time since 2015.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner last competed on the rid dirt in 2016, but he confirmed after his early exit from the Australian Open that he would play at Roland Garros.

The big question was which event he would use as warm-up event for the French Open?

The answer is the Madrid Open, which he won in 2006 (played on a hard court), 2009 and 2012, and tournament director Feliciano Lopez is naturally delighted with the coup.

“Federer is one of the best players of all time, it’s no secret,” he said. “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 Mágica.

“Having the Swiss player back on clay with [world No 1 Novak] Djokovic and [world No 2 Rafael] Nadal is going to be unmissable.”

Manolo Santana, honorary president of the tournament, added: “Roger’s presence in the Caja Mágica will make this year’s Mutua Madrid Open special.

“It doesn’t matter that he’s 37 because he still has that unmistakable class; the innate talent that has made him one of the best of all time. Being able to enjoy his tennis is something that no fan of the sport should miss.”

The 2019 Madrid Open will take place from May 6-12.