Roger Federer returned after a five-week layoff and beat Radek Stepanek 6-3 7-6 (8-6) on Wednesday in the second round of the Madrid Masters.
The 2006 champion rallied from a 5-3 deficit in the tiebreaker with some excellent shotmaking, including a backhand that landed in the far corner on match point.
"(I'm) happy to be back on tour," Federer said.
"Happy with this first round. it was always going to be tough against Radek and he played a great second set."
Federer, playing his first ATP event since winning the US Open last month, will next face Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Novak Djokovic advanced after Victor Hanescu retired due to an apparent groin injury while trailing 6-7 (8-10) 7-6 (10-8) 3-1.
Hanescu's aggressive play had Djokovic scrambling, especially when the 1.98-metre Romanian followed up powerful serves with swift forehand winners. But Djokovic finally evened the match on his second set point with a crisp backhand passing shot.
American qualifier Robby Ginepri had the biggest upset of the day, beating fifth-ranked Nikolay Davydenko 4-6 6-4 6-4.
Davydenko had 35 winners to 15 for Ginepri, but committed 53 unforced errors over the final two sets. The 63rd-ranked American clinched it when the Russian double-faulted.
Sixth-ranked David Ferrer soon followed Davydenko out of the tournament after losing to Feliciano Lopez 6-4 7-6 (7-4) in an all-Spanish match.
Top-ranked Rafael Nadal pulled out of doubles with Carlos Moya on Tuesday due to a slight upper leg injury.
"Every match is important, including doubles, but I've got priorities," said Nadal, who next faces Richard Gasquet of France in singles on Thursday.
"You can't win everything."
