Taking on his new role of the assistant director of the Madrid Open, Feliciano Lopez has said that he is optimistic that Roger Federer will play at the tournament once again.
For the second consecutive year the Swiss world No.2 has opted to skip the entire clay court season in order to prepare for the grass. He announced his decision in Miami following a shock exit to Thanasi Kokkinakis. During the first quarter of this season, Federer won both the Australian Open and Rotterdam.
“I decided not to play the clay season … I am trying to figure things out now, I have some time. I’m a positive thinker, every match is another opportunity. You take a break, get away from it all, and get back to practice court and work.” He said last month.
Addressing the absence of the 20-time grand slam champion, Lopez has branded it as a ‘pity.’ Federer hasn’t played in Madrid since 2015. He has won the event three times in his career. Although one of those occurred when the event was played on hard courts back in 2006. His most recent triumph was back in 2012 when he defeated Tomas Berdych in the final.
“It is a pity that Federer is not in the (Madrid) Open, because the clay season is just as important as the grass or hard courts.” Lopez told reporters yesterday.
“Personally, before he retires, I would love him to play here again,” he added.
Gerard Tsobanian weighed in on the topic with a more critical viewpoint. Tsobanian is the president and CEO of the Madrid Open. During the same press conference, he said ‘a player who does not compete all year round can hardly be considered an active competitor.’ Taking aim at Federer.
This year is the first time Lopez will take up his new role in the event. He will be working closely with current director Manuel Santana. A former four-time grand slam champions during the 1960s. Under current plans, Lopez will take the chief director role in 2019. Meanwhile, 79-year-old Santana will be made an ‘honorary president.’
“It has been a very important tournament in my sports career and my life, Manolo has been a reference for all of us, and it was he who opened the way for us in the world of tennis,” Lopez said about his link to the tournament.
The Madrid Open, which takes place at the Caja Magica, will get underway on May 7th. As for Federer, he is set to return to action in June at the Stuttgart Open.
