Wawrinka struggles in Dubai, wacky win for Kyrgios

Sergiy Stakhovsky (L) of Ukraine congratulates Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland after he won their ATP tennis match in the second round of the Dubai Open Tennis Championships on February 23, 2016. Wawrinka won the match 5-7, 6-3, 7-5. / AFP / MARWAN NAAMANI

DUBAI (AFP): Stan Wawrinka needed a set and a half to get comfortable on his return to the Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday but he pulled out a 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 first-round win over Sergiy Stakhovsky.

The double Grand Slam-winning Swiss last played the event eight years ago and looked to be ready for the first flight back out as he trailed by a set and a break to his Ukrainian opponent.