The impossible becomes possible as Madrid welcomes Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

ATP Tour
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

It’s a rare sight outside of the Grand Slams to have Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic compete at the same tournament these days, so it’s not a surprise that Madrid Open tournament director Feliciano Lopez is excited.

With Federer taking a break from clay-court events the past two seasons and Nadal often struggling with injury, the Big Three’s schedules haven’t always overlapped when it comes to non-major event.

However, Federer has decided to make a return to the red dirt and he chose the Madrid Open as his warm-up event for the French Open.

And with world No 1 Djokovic and five-time Madrid champion also in the draw, it is easy to see why Lopez is delighted.

“To have also Rafa and Novak – the ‘Big Three’ in one week is almost impossible nowadays so it’s really good news,” he said.

He added: “I was not involved in his [Federer’s] decision about coming to Madrid. That was his personal decision with his team as well.

“We are very lucky he decided to be back on the clay and be back in Madrid. I think he’s been away from this clay season two or three years and we feel very proud to have him here first of all.

“It’s an honour for the tournament to have Roger back, as you can imagine. He decided to play the French Open again this year so he might have thought he needed another extra week on clay and I think he felt Madrid is the right choice for him, no?

“He played great here in the past, he had some great memories from Madrid. The conditions here are good for his tennis, that’s another reason. We are very happy to have him here.”

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