Massive coup for Madrid Open as Roger Federer signs up

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.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Who is most likely to take a 2019 men’s Grand Slam from Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer?
-
Johnny Nic on match-fixing: Tennis needs to be as corrupt as the corrupters
-
Roger Federer the doubles player: Did you know he won a ‘bizarre’ title with Marat Safin?
-
QUIZ! Test your knowledge on the ATP Tour’s ace record-holders
-
Latest
-
Tennis News
Roger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis News
Iga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
News
Jamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis News
Battle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis Features
The only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin Palmer
Britain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis News
Lleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis Features
Five of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian Open
Five of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.