Germany’s Alexander Zverev looks on as he plays against Slovakia’s Alex Molcan during their men’s singles match on day five of the Roland-Garros Open tennis tournament at the Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris on June 1, 2023. (Photo by Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP)
Alexander Zverev made a successful return to the French Open’s Court Philippe Chatrier on Thursday, a year after suffering a horrifying ankle ligament injury which ended his season.
The former world number two, now down at 27 in the world, swept past 86th-ranked Alex Molcan of Slovakia 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 to make the last 32.
In 2022, Zverev was taken off court in a wheelchair after damaging his right ankle in his semi-final against Rafael Nadal.
“I was so nervous before playing today,” said Zverev who next faces Frances Tiafoe of the United States.
“Despite what happened last year, I still love this place, I still love this court.”
The Olympic champion added: “I’m incredibly happy to be back and to win again on this court.”
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