Ivanisevic wins comeback match

Goran Ivanisevic battled through his first match in eight months to beat the Czech Republic's Bohdan Ulihrach 7-6, 3-6, 7-6 in the first round of the Milan Indoors on Tuesday.

The former Wimbledon champion returned to competitive action for the first time since last June's first-round defeat at the Stella Artois Championships in London by firing 25 aces.

"I'm very satisfied to win on my first real match for so long. I was really pleased to serve 25 aces out there and everything went much better than I expected," said Ivanisevic.

Ivanisevic underwent surgery on his left shoulder in 2002 and made a brief return

nine months later but the pain returned and he was forced to battle his way back to fitness.

"I've missed tennis but not the training," he said, "I missed playing matches and winning and I really enjoyed myself out on court. My aim from now on is Wimbledon and the Olympics in Athens," he said.

The 32-year-old has said this comeback is his last attempt to get back among the elite in the sport.

"I had an operation and then played just a few games. There was no point in having an operation and then leaving it at that. But I still need to work hard," he said.

Ivanisevic will face third-seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo in the second round of the 375,000 euros event.

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.