Roger Federer: Swiss superstar announces surprise clay court appearance at Madrid Open

Federer has missed the entire clay swing the last two years but will return to the Spanish capital where he has won three times previously

Roger Federer will play on clay at the Madrid Open in May, the tournament has announced.

Federer has skipped the entire clay swing for the last two years but revealed after losing in the fourth round of the Australian Open to Stefanos Tsitsipas last month that he would return to the surface this season.

The rest of the Swiss star's schedule has yet to be revealed but Madrid is an obvious choice given he is a three-time champion and the relatively high altitude makes it significantly faster than other clay events.

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, who has slipped to seventh in the rankings, is set to play at the French Open for the first time since 2015.

PA