Top
Roger Federer forehand French Open

Federer returns, hoping to master Madrid


He’s back – Roger Federer will play at next week’s Madrid Masters, tournament organisers have announced.

Roger Federer, who won in 2006 and was runner-up last year, returns to the court after a three-week layoff. He skipped this week’s Stockholm Open in the wake of his US Open triumph to rest up as he continues his lengthy recovery from glandular fever.

“It’s a wonderful thing knowing we can count on Federer being here for another year”

“Without a doubt it’s a wonderful thing knowing we can count on Roger Federer being here for another year,” tournament director Manolo Santana said, who must be licking his lips at the prospect of a potential showdown between the Swiss maestro and one Rafa Nadal.

The Masters Series event could potentially the world’s top two players against one another for the first time since the Spaniard assumed the No.1 ranking, which Federer had held for a record 237 weeks.

The pair haven’t met since Nadal ended Roger Federer bid for a sixth straight Wimbledon crown in June.

Federer was knocked out of the Olympic tournament in Beijing before a potential match-up with eventual gold medallist Nadal. And in New York the Spaniard came up short against a brilliant two-part performance from Andy Murray.

“Madrid’s conditions and the type of surface are ideal for Roger’s game,” said Santana, himself a former Wimbledon champion. “We hope he arrives refreshed and that he can allow us to enjoy his best tennis.”


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.