Tennis: Zverev wins first French Open match since ankle injury

AFP , Tuesday 30 May 2023

Alexander Zverev made a winning return to Roland Garros on Tuesday with a straight-sets win over Lloyd Harris in the French Open first round, 12 months since suffering a serious ankle injury in the semi-finals.

Alexander Zverev
Germany s Alexander Zverev serves to South Africa s Lloyd Harris during their men s singles match on day three of the Roland-Garros Open tennis tournament at the Court Simonne-Mathieu in Paris on May 30, 2023. Photo: AFP

 

The German had to retire injured from a dramatic last-four clash with Rafael Nadal last season after twisting his ankle and did not play again in 2022.

Zverev, who was the third seed last year, is only seeded 22nd this time around after struggling to recapture his best form since returning to the ATP Tour.

But the former US Open finalist had enough to beat South African Harris 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/0), 6-1.

"I was obviously very disappointed with how that tournament ended for me (last year)," Zverev said.

"That's why I think I appreciate even more when I play in a full stadium and the crowd is behind me.

"No (not happy with his performance). But I'm happy that I won in three sets. Normally I start with five-set matches so I'm happy to win in three."

Zverev will next face Slovakia's Alex Molcan as he tries to reach the third round for a sixth straight year.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

Short link: