German tennis star Alexander Zverev’s return to match play after ankle surgical procedure has not gone to plan after he was upset by the Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka within the United Cup.
Lehecka, the world No.81, beat Zverev 6-Four 6-2 within the opening match of the tie between the 2 nations in Sydney on Saturday.
The final time world No.12 Zverev performed a tour-level match was in opposition to Rafael Nadal in a French Open semi-final again in June.
Zverev rolled his proper ankle in that match, tearing all three lateral ligaments within the course of, earlier than leaving the courtroom in a wheelchair.
The 25-year-old had surgical procedure and had tried to return on a number of events in latest months however was compelled to abort his plans every time.
Zverev was ranked No.2 on the planet in June however his lack of match-play was evident as he struggled together with his serve and motion in opposition to a red-hot Lehecka.
The 21-year-old Czech broke Zverev to take the primary set and stored the stress up within the second.
“I knew earlier than the match that he hadn’t performed shortly however with a participant like (Zverev) that may imply nothing,” Lehecka advised Channel 9 after the match.
“After all I used to be capable of be an excellent opponent for him and within the essential moments I confirmed all of the expertise from final 12 months enjoying in opposition to good gamers. That gave me the boldness to play in opposition to him.”
