Federer wins in return from five-week layoff
MADRID, Spain -- Roger Federer returned from a five-week layoff to beat Radek Stepanek 6-3, 7-6 (6) on Wednesday in the second round of the Madrid Masters.
The 2006 champion rallied from a 5-3 deficit in the tiebreak with some excellent shotmaking, including a backhand that landed in the far corner on match point.
"Happy to be back on tour," Federer said. "Happy with this first round. It was always going to be tough against Radek and he played a great second set."
Federer, playing his first ATP event since winning the U.S. Open last month, will face Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
"I'm excited. He's had a rocky season with injuries this year, so I feel for the guy," Federer said of his French opponent. "He's probably one of the guys you wanna be playing out there."
Novak Djokovic advanced after Victor Hanescu retired because of an apparent groin injury while trailing 6-7 (8), 7-6 (8), 3-1.
"It's a big relief to win ... this is a big boost up for upcoming matches," Djokovic said. "He used his biggest weapon, which was his serve. I couldn't find any rhythm in return, so he used that wisely."
Top-ranked Rafael Nadal pulled out of doubles with Carlos Moya on Tuesday because of a slight upper leg injury.
"Every match is important, including doubles, but I've got priorities," said Nadal, who will face Richard Gasquet of France in singles Thursday. "You can't win everything."
American qualifier Robby Ginepri had the biggest upset of the day, beating fifth-ranked Nikolay Davydenko 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Andy Roddick had little trouble getting past Spain's Tommy Robredo, 6-3, 6-4.
The eighth-ranked American's booming serve was never seriously challenged by Robredo and Roddick used breaks in each of the sets to pace out his win.
David Nalbandian won his sixth straight match by defeating Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-1.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
