Federer makes up for lost time in Madrid return win

Roger Federer won his 15th match in a row Tuesday as he made a return to the Madrid Masters after three years away, defeating Nicolas Massu 6-3, 6-2 in his opening match.

The stylish Swiss took the first step towards a possible tenth trophy of the season, though he could be set for a final against local hero and defending champion Rafael Nadal.

"I played the big points better than he did, made it easier for myself," said Federer, 78-5 this season. "The match could have turned out much harder, but this is the perfect results for the first round."

Federer last played indoors on the ATP when he lost the Shanghai Masters Cup final to David Nalbandian last November, playing on a recovering ankle which caused him to miss Madrid in 2005.

The world number 1 tapped wood as he said he has basically been injury-free during this season of three Grand Slam titles, with the ankle requiring only moderate precautions.

"I'm just being very careful at the end of the year, trying to be really professional by warming up a lot and taping," Federer said.