MADRID, Spain – Roger Federer returned from a five-week layoff to beat Radek Stepanek 6-3, 7-6 (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.

“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 U.S. Open last month, will face Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Novak Djokovic advanced after Victor Hanescu retired because of an apparent groin injury while trailing 6-7 (8), 7-6 (8), 3-1.

“It's a big relief to win ... this is a big boost up for upcoming matches,” Djokovic said. “He used his biggest weapon which was his serve. (And) I couldn't find any rhythm in return, so he used that wisely.”

Hanescu's aggressive play had Djokovic scrambling, especially when the 6-foot-6 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.

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 Thursday. “You can't win everything.”

American qualifier Robby Ginepri had the biggest upset of the day, beating fifth-ranked Nikolay Davydenko 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.