VIENNA — Gael Monfils made a winning return from a seven-week injury layoff Tuesday, rallying to beat Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the Erste Bank Open.
The 21st-ranked Frenchman played his first match since lower back problems forced him to pull out of the opening round at the U.S. Open.
Monfils, who is seeded sixth, lost the opening set from 5-3 up but used one break in both the following sets to wrap up the victory.
Monfils next plays Paolo Lorenzi of Italy, who advanced after rallying to defeat Rajeev Ram of the United States 6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-4.