Federer to play on clay at Madrid Open

AFP  |  Madrid 

Roger Federer's comeback on clay will feature a return to the Open for the first time since 2015, it was confirmed on Wednesday.

But Federer indicated in January that he would play at this year while the Open has announced he will be among those competing at the Caja Magica too.

"Federer is one of the best players in history, it's no secret," said Feliciano Lopez, the Open's

"We are happy because his return to Madrid is a gift for the tournament but above all for the fans, because they will be able to see a that is unique and unparallelled."

Federer has won the three times, in 2006, 2009 and 2012, but his last appearance was in 2015, when he lost his opening match to

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was beaten in the fourth round at in January, one year after he had claimed his last major title there.

Clay has been Federer's least favourite surface. He has won only once and not gone past the quarter-finals in since 2012.

"I am in a moment where I want to have fun," Federer said, when asked last month about returning to

"It's a personal desire. I feel like I don't need to take a big break again.

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First Published: Wed, February 20 2019. 19:20 IST