Federer Now Training for Madrid and Rome

Roger Federer has returned hone for training without much worry after his quarter-final loss to Jurgen Melzer at the Monte Carlos Masters. The Swiss says he certainly won't let the defeat bother his preparation for Roland Garros.

For one thing, he's liking the new wrinkle in the ATP spring schedule which swaps Rome for Madrid, leaving the Spanish event with its higher altitude of 1,000 metres now a fortnight removed form the start of the French Open. Under the former scenario, Madrid was played with only a week to spare before the start in Paris.

"This year it changes around that Madrid has the first slot, which I think is clearly better for everybody," said Federer. "We were never really happy that Madrid had the second slot because of the pre French playing in altitude, it wasn't a smart thing.  Now we have it in a better way, which I think some players are happy about."
              
Federer's program calls for training at home followed by Madrid and Rome appearances before starting the bid for his second Roland Garros title in the face of the traditional Rafael Nadal clay momentum.