Federer has missed the clay season for the past two years – last competing in Rome in May 2016.
“I’m happy that the decision I took last December, when I started feeling like I definitely want to play on the clay, was the right one,” Federer, 37, said.
“I haven’t looked back yet during the clay court build-up, thinking, ‘Ah, maybe I shouldn’t have.’ I’m happy I’m here, I’m happy I am on the surface.
“It takes some time getting used to how to construct the points a little bit more because there is more baseline (play), a possibility to play with more angles and height. It’s been interesting and fun, but not so challenging.”
Federer is the tournament’s fourth seed behind world No.1 Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev.
However, the 20-times grand slam singles champion said he was not trying to burden himself with expectations when he steps out on court at the Caja Magica.
“It will be interesting to see how this tournament goes,” he said. “I do not have high expectations in some ways.
“But at the same time I also know that things are possible. Madrid always plays fast with the altitude here. I’m intrigued to find out.”
Federer received a bye to the second round and will play the winner of the match between France’s Richard Gasquet and Spanish teenager Alejandro Davidovich Fokina – who reached the semi-final of the Estoril Open last week.
The Madrid Masters was hit by another high-profile requirement on Thursday, with injured Daniil Medvedev…
Iga Swiatek overwhelmed Madison Keys with the loss of just four games on Thursday to…
Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina is leading a charge against the expanded 12-day format of…
Elena Rybakina dodged a bullet on Wednesday, saving two match points to stay in the…
The Madrid Masters lost a third major drawcard in 24 hours on Wednesday, with world…
Andrey Rublev called a halt to the winning run of Carlos Alcaraz at the Madrid…