Federer wins first clay court match since 2016

Switzerland's Roger Federer in action during his round of 32 match against France's Richard Gasquet. Reuters photo

Roger Federer defeated Richard Gasquet 6-2, 6-3 on Tuesday to make a winning return to clay in the second round of the Madrid Open.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion last played on the surface almost three years ago, losing to Dominic Thiem in the Rome third round on May 12, 2016.

Federer skipped playing on clay for two full seasons to concentrate on his grass court form, winning Wimbledon in 2017.

He claimed the Madrid title in 2006, 2009, and 2012.