A weary world number two Roger Federer says he'll pace himself carefully for the rest of the tennis season.
The five-times U.S. Open champion pulled out of last week's Stockholm Open saying he needed a rest but returns at this week's Madrid Masters.
Federer has not played since helping Switzerland beat Belgium in their Davis Cup World Group playoff three weeks ago.
The Swiss says he's still very tired, but after some time off he's feeling better and decided to play in Madrid.
Federer says he's had a successful season after winning the U.S. Open so it doesn't necessarily make much sense for him to play that much, but he loves the game and loves to compete and that's why he's back.
Federer is undecided about defending his title in his hometown of Basel next week.
After a first-round bye in Madrid, Federer will meet Czech Radek Stepanek tomorrow night.
