Stuttgart Open: Federer Recovers To Beat Zverev On Return To Court

Top seed Roger Federer is through to the last 16 at the Stuttgart Open after he recovered from a set down to beat Mischa Zverev in their second round clash on his return to the tennis court.

World number two Federer had intentionally missed the clay court season but he showed no signs of being rusty as he dispatched the German 3-6 6-4 6-2.

After his victory, Federer said: “Three months [out] is a long time, it’s longer than the year-end break.”

“I’m very happy returning on good terms on to 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.”

He added: “I’m super happy to be back on tour – it’s been a great start.”

The 36-year-oldas dropped from world number one to world number two since his last competitive match on court and is presently behind top spot holder Spain’s Rafael Nadal.

Federer will reclaim top spot if he reaches the final at the tournament and he’s on course to achieve that.

He will face either Guido Pella or Prajnesh Gunneswaran in the last eight.