Haas returns after 14-month absence

 

Originally published on: 26/04/11 09:38

Former world No.2 Tommy Haas is returning to ATP Tour action this week after a 14-month absence from the game.

The 33-year-old German hasn’t played since the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships in February 2010, having undergone surgery on his right hip and elbow in the space of two months, but is easing his way back into top flight tennis in Munich.

The German partners Radek Stepanek in the doubles at the BMW Open, where the wildcard duo will take on Sweden’s Simon Aspelin and Australia’s Paul Hanley.

“I’m looking forward to the tests of seeing how my body feels, playing competitively again,” said the Florida resident. “Going out there is something you can’t really practise, so being tight and king of nervous and wanting to win again – I need to see how that feels and also see how my body responds.”

Haas, a former Australian Open and Wimbledon semi-finalist, reached the Munich final in 2000 but is simply happy just to contend the doubles tournament this time out.

“I’m always compensating with something else, and then something else goes wrong, so it’s nice to be back in Munich, to see my family, my team and the people that take good care of me, doctors and physios,” said Haas, who plans to enter the singles draws in the not-too-distant future.

“I’m hoping to see what it’s like, and hopefully make a return in singles the next few weeks.”

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