Paes the Lord: Teams at par after day one

Leander Paes made a successful return to singles play today, beating Mark Nielsen 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) to leave the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Zone Group 1 first round tennis match between India and New Zealand tied 1-1.

Paes has faced surgery for a brain lesion since he last played singles in April when India hosted New Zealand in Davis Cup play. Although India won that match 4-1, Paes lost to Nielsen in straight sets. The Indian captain has made a measured return to tournament play, most recently reaching the mixed doubles final at the Australian Open with Martina Navratilova.

With lavish groundstrokes and a powerful serve, Paes took charge of his match against New Zealand number one Nielsen from the opening point. Paes was playing under heightened pressure after Indian number one Harsh Mankad lost 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (7/2) to New Zealand’s Simon Rea, making his Davis Cup debut.