Murray handed kind draw for Madrid Masters

The Scot has a bye in the first round as the fourth seed and he will then face clay-court expert Nicolas Almagro or a qualifier.

Murray could face Andy Roddick in the last eight and a repeat of the US Open final with Roger Federer in the semis.
Spain's Rafael Nadal is the top seed for the indoor event, while Novak Djokovic is seeded third.

Federer had been set to miss the tournament, citing fatigue, but he has since confirmed that he will take part. "After some rest and physical training, I have decided to play in Madrid next week," Federer said.

"I am eager and excited to get back on court after winning my fifth consecutive US Open and the Davis Cup tie last month in Switzerland. I will take it one week at a time to ensure I am fully prepared for 2009."

"My goal right now is the same as before, to try my best every day," he said. "For sure, the goal for the end of this season is to try and finish with the number one ranking."

Murray is likely to face Almagro, who he lost to at this French Open in four sets.

However, Murray has greatly improved since then, reaching the US Open final and generally sharpening his all-round game.

In the third round, he could face 13th seed Fernando Verdasco or Croat Marin Cilic, with Roddick seeded to be waiting in the last eight.

Former champion Juan Carlos Ferrero will not be appearing in Madrid after being overlooked for one of the three original wildcards, even though another has become available due to withdrawals.

The decision caused consternation among a number of players, such as fellow Spaniards Nadal and David Ferrer.

But tournament director Manolo Santana said: "This is an international tournament. It is a business and the business has the right to take decisions be they right or wrong.

"It's a shame because we would have liked him to have played."