Roger Federer Commits to First Clay Tournament in Two Years

Edgar Su/Reuters

MADRID — Roger Federer will play at the Madrid Open in May as part of his return to the clay court, the tournament announced Wednesday.

Federer, 37, did not play in clay tournaments for two seasons, but said he would be back this year as he prepares for his first French Open appearance since 2015.

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

Nadal and top-ranked Novak Djokovic are also expected to play in Madrid this year. The tournament begins May 3.