Alexander Zverev returns with statement victory over Novak Djokovic
Alexander Zverev has made a positive start to his comeback, beating Novak Djokovic in an exhibition match in Dubai, 6-3 6-4.
The German has been out since Roland Garros, where he was forced to retire in his semi-final against Rafael Nadal after tearing three lateral ligaments in his right ankle.
It is not the first time Zverev has found success against Djokovic, beating him at the Olympics and the ATP Finals last year on his way to winning both titles.
With his flawless Serves, he served victory to the #TeamHawks
What a game!!???@AlexZverev #TheGreatestShowonCourt #worldtennisleague #firsttimeever #CocaColaArena #TeamHawks #Zverev #AlexanderZverev #firsttimeever #Dubai #tennis #tennisplayer #TennisTV #tennisleague pic.twitter.com/FslYySXBX2— World Tennis League (@wtltweets) December 20, 2022
Zverev actually returned at an exhibition in Saudi Arabia two weeks ago, despite hoping to represent his country at the Davis Cup Finals in November.
“The actual injury was also healed,” said Zverev, “But then I was told that the bones are not ready for the strain. Because I had extreme bone damage, I had bone edema, and also a stress fracture in my bone at some point.That was a bit difficult for me mentally, because then I had to start again and was told that now I can’t do anything for 6 weeks.”
The Olympic champion is now participating in the inaugural World Tennis League, where he beat Djokovic, in a mixed-gender team exhibition event.
The event features four teams comprised of players including Djokovic, Iga Swiatek and Nick Kyrgios. Zverev is part of Team Hawks, alongside Dominic Thiem, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
The world no.12’s victory over Djokovic helped Team Hawks to a comeback win, 35-27, over Team Falcons.
Zverev will be back in action on Thursday and Friday, where he is expected to play mixed doubles with Rybakina and a singles match against Kyrgios, respectively.
Despite missing out on the Davis Cup, the 25-year-old will get his chance to represent his country very soon, as he makes his official return to the tour at the United Cup at the end of December.
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