Zurich - Roger Federer will play only two tune-up events on clay in 2009, ahead of the only Grand Slam he has never won, the French Open.

The former world number one Federer said on his website that he will play at the Madrid and Rome 1000 Series (formerly Masters Series) events ahead of the May 24 French Open start in Paris.

Switzerland's Federer played four events on the dirt this year, but was beaten for the third time in a row by new number one Rafael Nadal of Spain in the Roland Garros final.

Clay is his least favourite surface.

Federer has won Wimbledon and the US Open five times each and three titles at the Australian Open. He needs to win one more major to equal Pete Sampras' record 14 titles at the majors.

In 2009, Federer aims to rebound from a poor 2008 season by his standard, handicapped by glandular fever early in the year and a back injury in the final weeks. He only won one big title, at the US Open.

Federer will start 2009 at an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi and play two more events ahead of the January 19 Australian Open start. His 2009 schedule also includes his traditional Wimbledon warm-up in Halle, Germany, where he is a five-time winner.

"I am really pleased with the season the way we have planned it and I am looking forward to an exciting year," Federer said. (dpa)