Roger Federer set to compete in Madrid Open

Twenty times Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has confirmed his participation in the upcoming Madrid Open.

The 37-year-old has skipped the entire clay season, including the French Open, in recent years to prepare well for the Wimbledon championship, but after his fourth-round ouster from the recently-concluded Australian Open, Federer had confirmed that the trend would change this time.

"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 Mágica. Having the Swiss player back on clay with Djokovic and Nadal is going to be unmissable", Feliciano Lopez, the director of the Mutua Madrid Open said.

"Roger's presence in the Caja Mágica will make this year's Mutua Madrid Open special", said Manolo Santana, president of the tournament.

"It doesn't matter that he's 37 because he still has that unmistakable class; the innate talent that has made him one of the best of all time. Being able to enjoy his tennis is something that no fan of the sport should miss," the president added.

Federer has registered a total of 35 wins and eight defeats at the Madrid Open and clinched three titles at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in 2006, 2009 and 2012.

Madrid Open is slated to be held from May 3 to 12 at the La Caja Magica stadium.