Alexander Zverev crashes in first ATP encounter since June injury

Alexander Zverev returns to Jiri Lehecka on Saturday. Pic/AFP

Rusty former World No.2 Alexander Zverev crashed to defeat Saturday in his first ATP match since tearing ankle ligaments at the French Open in June.

The two-time ATP Finals champion hit eight double faults in losing 6-4, 6-2 to 81st-ranked Jiri Lehecka at Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena to give the Czech Republic a 1-0 lead in their tie against Germany.

It was Zverev's first competitive match since tearing three right ankle ligaments during his Roland Garros semi-final against Rafael Nadal, when he left court in a wheelchair.

Also Read: Tennis news: No.2 Alexander Zverev racing against time to be fit for US Open

A planned return at the Davis Cup in September came up short when Zverev pulled out after experiencing "extreme pain."

The Olympic champion, who has dropped to 12 in the world from a career-high two before his injury, was clearly still struggling against Lehecka.

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