Roger Federer to play Madrid Open after 2-year absence

MADRID (AP) — Roger Federer will play at the Madrid Open as part of his return to the clay court.

Organizers say the 20-time Grand Slam champion will participate in the tournament from May 3-12.

The 37-year-old Federer didn’t play in clay tournaments for two seasons, but said he will be back this year as he prepares for his first French Open appearance since 2015.

Tournament director Feliciano Lopez said: “Federer is one of the best players of all time, it’s no secret.

“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 (Novak) Djokovic and (Rafael) Nadal is going to be unmissable.”

Federer is the second most successful player at the Madrid Open with three titles, behind five-time champion Nadal. Federer’s last Madrid title came in 2012.

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Written by Adam Zagoria

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Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle. A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.