Alexander Zverev targeting December return after injury nightmare

Alexander Zverev is eying a December return to tennis as he stepped up his comeback from injury.

Zverev has had a tough year after tearing ligaments in his foot in his French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal.

He initially targeted the Davis Cup in September for his return, but an edema on his foot put paid to those plans.

Now, brother Mischa, who is also part of his coaching team, has confirmed Alexander Zverev is close to a return, starting with the Diriyah Tennis Cup exhibition event in Saudi Arabia in December and continuing into the new United Cup before the Australian Open.

“We were able to train last week,” Mischa told Eurosport. “On Monday we were even able to play a little longer. So far he’s pain-free and feels good.”

“In Australia he wants to start at the United Cup. Of course he doesn’t miss that,” Mischa said.

“Men and women will play together from now on. And we [Germany] have a fantastic team, especially with the girls Jule Niemeier and Tatjana Maria. It will definitely be a nice event.

“Since the great match against Nadal – unfortunately with a bitter end – he hasn’t been able to play any games,” Mischa explained. “That’s why we signed up for a couple of exhibition tournaments.

“Training sets at home without an audience are just something different. So you have to be on the pitch, against a top player, with ball boys and referees to feel the adrenaline again.

“What do you do when the score is 30-30? How do you behave on the second serve? You just have to test that again. Just like your foot.”

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