Swiss ace Roger Federer scripts a successful clay-court return
What's the story
20-time Grand Slam Champion Roger Federer scripted a satisfactory return to action on the clay court. The veteran Swiss ace overcame Richard Gasquet at the Madrid Open. Notably, Federer was playing clay-court tennis after a period of three years. A win on return will give the legend plenty of confidence, especially ahead of the French Open. Here is more on the same.
Clay return
Federer makes a perfect comeback after three-year gap
The legend beat Gasquet 6-2, 6-3 in 53 minutes. Federer was making his return to clay since losing to Austria's Dominic Thiem at the 2016 Rome Masters. He missed that year's French Open due to a back injury. And then in 2017 and 2018, the maestro missed the clay-court seasons in order to preserve his body. But this time, Federer is eyeing another title.
Quote
Federer feels he made the right decision
"Once the decision was upon me again for this year, if I would have skipped the clay again, I think I would have felt like that's not the right decision. I would have always felt regrets not being on the clay in 2019," said Federer.
Special night
It's been a special night for me: Federer
The fourth seed said that he is enjoying his return to clay, besides thanking the fans. "It feels good to be back on the clay now and I enjoy it, to be honest. It's been a special night for me to come back and play here. It really makes you feel like that was the right choice to come to Madrid, so that's good."
Women's singles
Osaka and Halep win in women's singles
In the women's draw, number one seed Naomi Osaka defeated Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-0. Also to progress was Simona Halep. The Romanian ended the hopes of Johanna Konta 7-5, 6-1 in the second round. "It was a good match. Both of us played very well and, in the end, I was a bit stronger mentally," said third seed Halep.