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Roger Federer is back. Playing in his first match since March, the Swiss recovered to take out Mischa Zverev in Stuttgart, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. His hands full against the talented serve-and-volleyer, Federer relied heavily on his sharp backhand to get him through.

“Three months is a long time, it's longer than the year-end break. So I'm very happy returning on good terms onto the Tour,” Federer said. “It was difficult, missed some chances maybe in the first set... He connected well at the right times.

“And then I found a way, I found my rhythm. I'm very happy with how I played. I'm super happy to be back on Tour. It's been a great start.”

It marks Federer's first win since the Indian Wells semifinals. He effectively snapped a two-match losing streak after losses to Juan Martin del Potro in Indian Wells and Thanasi Kokkinakis in Miami.

Federer can return to the No. 1 position with a run to the final of the ATP 250 this week.

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Federer's backhand boosts him to victory in Stuttgart