Tennis-Tired Federer plans to pace himself for rest of year

By Mark Elkington

MADRID, Oct 13 (Reuters) - A weary Roger Federer will pace himself carefully for the rest of the season, the world number two said on Monday.

The five-times U.S. Open champion pulled out of last week's Stockholm Open saying he needed a rest but returns at this week's Madrid Masters.

Federer has not played since helping Switzerland beat Belgium in their Davis Cup World Group playoff three weeks ago.

"I'm still very tired. I felt I just needed some rest. I wasn't sure how much was needed," he told a news conference.

"I took some time off, started practising again, and felt good enough to come and play this tournament. We'll take it from here and go week by week.

"I have had a successful season after winning the U.S. Open so it doesn't necessarily make much sense for me to play that much but I love the game and love to compete. That's why I'm back."

Federer, 27, refused to commit to next week's event in Basel.