Tennis

Tommy Haas returns at French Open, but loses

Published May. 24, 2011 1:16 a.m. ET

foxsports

Tommy Haas has a long way to go. At least now, he's playing tennis again.

The former second-ranked player from Germany played his first singles match in 15 months Monday at the French Open, losing 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4 to Marsel Ilhan of Turkey.

''You never really know what to expect when you haven't played a real match in a really long time, especially when your body is still not there where you want it to be,'' Haas said. ''Overall, a little bit nervous in the beginning, and sort of felt like my strokes are still there.''

Haas last played a singles match on the men's tour in February 2010. He then had surgery on his right hip.

''The balance needs to be worked on, body still needs to be stronger,'' Haas said. ''Overall, I'm happy to be able to finish the match.

''It wasn't ideal for me to start at the French. I have been trying the past couple weeks to maybe get a few matches in, but my body just didn't allow me to.''

Haas has reached the semifinals at a Grand Slam tournament four times, the last one at Wimbledon in 2009.

Getting back to that level is now the goal.

''I'm just kind of right there where I'm not sure where the body will be,'' Haas said. ''All I try to do is to get it back to a place where I feel really comfortable for a few hours playing a match. And if that's possible, then I'll continue to play if I still have some success.''

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