Olympic champion Zverev to return in December

German Alexander Zverev looks set to be back for the start of the 2023 season according to his brother Mischa Zverev.

The 25-year-old Olympic champion, who has not played since snapping three ligaments during his French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal, plans to return at exhibition tournaments in the Middle East next month and then start the 2023 season at the new United Cup mixed team event in Australia.

Match over.

Alexander Zverev returns to Chatrier on crutches with Rafael Nadal by his side as the crowd chants his name.

The Spaniard officially advances, 7-6 (8), 6-6, following Zverev's unfortunate injury.#RolandGarros | https://t.co/tatJ4wG6HF pic.twitter.com/BZE9ZA2Yhh

— TENNIS (@Tennis) June 3, 2022

“He needs a few matches before the new season. So, we registered for a few exhibition tournaments,” Mischa Zverev told Eurosport.

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Alexander Zverev had to postpone a planned comeback in September after a health setback. He only returned to training last week, too late to be fit in time to represent Germany at the November 22-27 Davis Cup Finals.

“We could train last week. We could even play a little longer on Monday. He is pain-free so far and feeling good,” Mischa Zverev added.

After suffering the injury, Alexander Zverev dropped out of the Top 10 of the ATP rankings for the first time since 2017.

Alexander Zverev dropped out of the top 10 of the ATP rankings for the first time in five years as he continues to remain sidelined by injury.#Tennis #News pic.twitter.com/CHMENOYuS4

— TennisExplorer.com (@TennisExplorer) November 9, 2022