Roger Federer makes winning return in Stuttgart
ByReuters
Updated 13/06/2018 at 18:07 GMT
Wimbledon champion Roger Federer made a winning return to action as he recovered from a set down to beat Germany's Mischa Zverev 3-6 6-4 6-2 at the Stuttgart Open on Wednesday.
Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after winning his match against Mischa Zverev of Germany during day 3 of the Mercedes Cup at Tennisclub Weissenhof on June 13, 2018 in Stuttgart, Germany.
Image credit: Getty Images
The Swiss, who skipped the entire European claycourt swing to concentrate on the grasscourt season, showed signs of rust early on against Zverev but it did not take too long for him to rediscover his rhythm.
Federer had some early chances but could not take them and it was Zverev who struck first when he broke to love to lead 5-3 before a couple of aces helped him pocket the opening set.
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Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates during his match against during day 3 of the Mercedes Cup at Tennisclub Weissenhof on June 13, 2018 in Stuttgart, Germany. Roger Federer debuts his new Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph racket at the 2018 Mercedes Cu
Image credit: Getty Images
It was the first set Zverev, older brother of world number three Alexander, had ever taken from Federer in six attempts and a shock looked on the cards when he had a break point in the opening game of the second set.
Federer, who will be seeking a ninth Wimbledon title next month, eventually found some magic with a backhand winner to break for a 4-2 lead but the 36-year-old handed the advantage straight back in the next game.
Veteran Tommy Haas stunned Federer in Stuttgart a year ago but any thoughts of a similarly early exit against Zverev vanished as he surged into a 4-1 lead in the second set and cruised to victory.
"Three months is a long time, it's longer than the year-end break," said Federer, who had not played since March.
"So I'm very happy returning on good terms onto the Tour. It's difficult, missed some chances maybe in the first set... He connected well at the right times. Then I found my rhythm. I'm super happy to be back on Tour. It's been a great start."
Second seed Lucas Pouille also moved into the third round with a straight sets win over German wildcard Rudolf Molleker but sixth seed Denis Shapovalov was surprisingly beaten by 169th-ranked Indian qualifier Prajnesh Gunneswaran.
Milos Raonic, the Wimbledon runner-up in 2016, eased into the second round with victory over Mirza Basic.
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