The 2012 Madrid Open saw a controversial switch to blue clay courts. While Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic struggled and threatened a boycott, Roger Federer thrived, ultimately winning the tournament.

A Slippery Controversy:

Players like Djokovic and Nadal disliked the blue clay, complaining about its unpredictable bounce and slipperiness. Djokovic even threatened to skip the tournament in 2013 if the surface remained.

Federer’s Take: Adapt or Lose

Federer, known for his versatility, took a different approach. He acknowledged the challenges of the blue clay but emphasized that adapting to different court conditions is a key skill for claycourt specialists.

Federer Conquers the Blue Clay

Capitalizing on his rivals’ struggles, Federer navigated the blue clay with success. He defeated strong opponents like Raonic, Gasquet, and Ferrer before claiming the title against Berdych.

A Short-Lived Experiment:

The blue clay proved unpopular and was replaced with traditional red clay in 2013. This rewrite focuses on the contrasting approaches of the players and the short-lived blue clay experiment.