Roger Federer explains how training camp with Dan Evans prepared him for return to clay

Roger Federer had skipped the clay court season the past two years since last competing in Rome in May 2016 but confirmed his participation for the tournament in Madrid earlier this year. Former world number one said he was glad he made the decision to return to clay and explained how training camp with Dan Evans prepared him for return to clay. Federer invited British No 3 to mountainous training camp in the homeland. Conditions were incredibly windy but Swiss legend enjoyed 'hilarious' weather. "We had two tough days, it was so windy," said Federer on Sunday. "It was unbelievable. I've never had practices in such winds. It was hilarious. Anyway, it was good fun and I was happy he came. You are just looking also at some players that are available, you know. I think we were looking in that very moment at players that were not in a tournament or who have just lost at a tournament. And we reached out to him and he was ready to come. It's also interesting sometimes to play with a one-handed backhand player who has got a slice and stuff,' continued Federer.  I know Dan, and he is a nice guy, and it was a three or four-day practice week. He was flexible and he could react very quickly. So, it was good."

Roger Federer says he’s ‘not confident’ about returning to clay next week