last month before winning his 13th grand slam title at the US Open earlier in September. In the US Open final, Federer topped Britain's Andy Murray 6-2, 7-5, 6-2.
In the Davis Cup Play-offs, Federer defeated Kristof Vliegen of Belgium 7-6(7-1), 6-4, 6-2 to help the Switzerland tennis team to reclaim a place in the 2009 Davis Cup elite group of nations called the World Group.
Federer finished as finalist at the Madrid tournament last year and won the event in 2006. David Nalbandian of Argentina won last year's title defeating Federer in the final 1-6, 6-3, 6-3.
“Without a doubt it’s a wonderful thing knowing we can count on Roger Federer being here for another year,” tournament director Manolo Santana said.
Also scheduled to compete at Madrid will be the world number one Rafael Nadal of Spain, who ended Federer's record 237 week run at the top rankings spot in August.
Nadal is this year 4-0 versus Federer; winning at the French Open and Wimbledon finals plus in finals at Hamburg and Monaco.
Head to head Nadal leads Federer 12-6; however nine of Nadal's wins occurred on claycourts. Nadal has never beaten Federer on a so called greenset or indoor hardcourt which will be the playing surface at Madrid.
“Madrid’s conditions and the type of surface are ideal for Roger’s game,” said Santana. “We hope he arrives refreshed and that he can allow us to enjoy his best tennis.”
With his five Wimbledon and five US Open titles, many consider Federer as the greatest tennis player ever. At his current rate of winning, Federer is assured to pass the American and record holder Pete Sampras' 14 grand slam titles before his retirement.
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