Melzer: I never thought I'd hear the Austrian anthem again

During an injury ordeal which blighted his career for the best part of three seasons, the thought of listening to the Austrian national anthem with his Davis Cup team-mates stoked Gerald Melzer's remarkable return to action.

It was not the victorious return he craved. Melzer succumbed 6-7(5) 6-3 5-7 to Dusan Lajovic as Serbia drew first blood in the opening Group F tie of the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals 2021 in Innsbruck. There was, however, a deeper and wider narrative.

Left-hander Melzer has endured a difficult period in his career of late and was sidelined for almost two years with a torn ankle ligament before making his return to professional tennis in May 2021 at M15 Antalya.

During his time away from the game, Melzer's world ranking plummeted, having previously been on the cusp of the top 50 and reaching a career-high of No. 68 in November 2016.

In recent months, he has clawed his way back to No. 287, although, for Melzer, representing his nation once again -a hope which at times seemed forlorn - is a hugely significant staging post in his comeback.

"I am not going to lie, the last three years have been a nightmare and I honestly never expected to be on the Davis Cup team again," said Melzer, who was contesting his ninth tie in national team colours since his Davis Cup debut against Slovakia in 2014.

"Mentally, it was really hard because I was working and training even though my ankle was in a really bad situation and it is tough when you work for something, put the hours and the effort in, and it is for nothing.

"It was hard seeing other players play the tournaments you love to play and meeting up with the Davis Cup team. In truth, I never thought that I would ever hear the Austrian anthem again as a player.

"It has been really tough, although the last few months, being back on court, have really changed my life."

Vienna-born Melzer had his chances to fire Austria into the lead on home soil against Lajovic. He won the second set to haul himself level against the world No. 33 before slipping to defeat in a tight and tense final bout.

While making a long-awaited return to national service was hugely rewarding, it is fair to say that Melzer's competitive edge did not diminish during his trials and tribulations on the treatment table. On all levels, this was an emotional occasion.

"On the one hand, I have been out for so long and I am unbelievably happy and grateful to be back on the team," added Melzer. "On the other hand, I am really disappointed because I felt there could have been more from the match.

"At some points, I gave it away too easily and I feel that I could have won that match. But, on the whole, today was special for me. I love to play on teams and representing my country is a big thing for me.

"When I was trying to get back to the court, Davis Cup and playing for Austria again was a big incentive. If there had been crowds out there today, I would probably have broken down in tears. In many ways, today was special."

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