Roger Federer looked as sharp as ever in his first match following a two-month lay-off as he beat Czech Radek Stepanek 6-3 6-3 at the Madrid Open yesterday.

The Swiss chose an eye-catching mint-green shirt for his first match since losing to Rafa Nadal at the Indian Wells Masters in March and secured a 12th victory over Stepanek in 14 meetings.

The victory set up a possible third-round clash against compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka.

Stepanek, 34, produced a late rally to break the Federer serve in the eighth game of the second set but was broken himself the next game when he sliced a forehand wide.

“I didn’t think I played incredible, but that’s not what I was expecting myself to do here, but I didn’t play bad either,” Federer, who was also sporting mint-green flashes on his tennis shoes, told a news conference.

“Overall, I’m very happy, because he (Stepanek) has caused me difficulties in the past,” added the 31-year-old world number two, a three-times champion in Madrid.

“Today that wasn’t the case and I thought I was pretty much in control.”

Federer is yet to win a tournament this year but if he defends his Madrid crown he will equal John McEnroe’s 77 career titles and join the American in third on the all-time ranking behind Jimmy Connors on 109 and Ivan Lendl with 94.

“Obviously, I’ve had a successful career, which has been amazing already... more than I ever thought I would achieve,” Federer said.

“I would love to tie McEnroe at 77. He was an amazing player and brought a lot to the game, like some other great champions and legends have done and paved the way for us.”