Comeback sends Zverev past Czech

Alexander Zverev took a step forward in his ankle injury comeback as the German turned the tables on Jiri Lehecka 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to power into the ATP Dubai second round on Monday.

The German whose only other appearance here came in 2015 as a first-round teenaged loser is slowly making his way back after missing the second half of last season due to his Roland Garros injury.

The seventh seed spent just over two hours in staging his fightback, sending down a dozen aces as forcing his 21-year-old Czech opponent to save seven of 10 break points.

“It obviously wasn’t my best match – especially in the first set – but it was very important for me to turn it around,” he said.

“It was important to find a way to win, especially at the stage I’m in right now.

“I’m happy I did that. I’m sure I’ll play better in the next match.”

The 25-year-old stressed that his comeback after being stretchered off the court in Paris will not be a quick one.

“I’m a player that needs matches. When you’ve been out for seven months, you just need to play matches and it will hopefully come back.”

Main photo:- Alexander Zverev suffers injury in Roland Garros semi final 2022 by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd