Roger Federer happy to be back in business in Stuttgart

Roger Federer returned to action after his three-month break with a hard-fought win at the MercedesCup.

The world No 2, who opted to skip the clay-court season, required three sets to beat Mischa Zverev in his opening match in Stuttgart, winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.

“I’m happy to have won a match after losing my last two (in Indian Wells and Miami in March),” Federer said.

“This is a new start. I’m glad to have been able to win again, overcoming some difficult moments after being a set down. Mischa’s level dropped in the last two sets and that gave me a chance to win.

“It feels a lot like home here, since it’s only two hours of driving from Basel. It’s a great place, but I’m hoping for some sun this week.”

The top seed will face either Guido Pella from Argentina or Indian qualifier Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who beat Denis Shapovalov in the first round, in the quarter-final.

Second seed Lucas Pouille also advanced as he beat Rudolf Molleker 6-3, 6-4 and the Frenchman will take on Denis Istomin next after the man from Uzbekistan beat Florian Mayer earlier in the week.

Milos Raonic is also into the second round after he overcame Mirza Basic 7-6 (10-8), 6-2 while Benoit Paire secured a 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-2 victory over American Taylor Fritz.

German Maximillian Merterer set up a clash with Nick Kyrgios after beating Viktor Galovic from Croatia 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

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