The 26-year-old's return was brief as he was knocked out of the ATP Challenger Series event in the opening round by the seventh seeded Aleksandar Vukic of Australia in straight-sets.

Both sets went to the tie-breaker with Vukic winning the contest 7-6 and 7-6. 

Vukic needed an 1:31:25 to beat Harris to advance to the round of 16. Vukic served 18 aces in the match, while Harris fired 12 unreturnable serves. In the process Harris also recorded three double faults.

Harris was in action for the first time since the qualifying rounds of the Indian Wells Masters in California where he lost 6-4 and 6-2 to Matteo Arnaldi of Italy last month.

At series of injuries over the past year has see Harris plumet from 31st on the ATP rankings to 279th.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport