Federer to play extra clay court tourney before French defense

PRINT EMAIL FACEBOOK DIGG TWITTER RSS SHARE

BASEL, Switzerland (AP) -- Roger Federer will play an extra clay-court tournament next year to prepare for his defense of the French Open title.

The top-ranked Swiss intends to play 19 events in 2010, according to a playing schedule published Tuesday on his Web site.

Federer has added the Estoril Open in Portugal next May, which he won in 2008 but skipped this year. Federer won the Madrid Masters on clay this year before capturing the title at Roland Garros for the first time.

Federer has cut the Japan Open from his schedule next October.

He also is expected to lead Switzerland's quest for a first Davis Cup title.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.