David Goffin will take a little while to regain confidence in his movement following his ankle injury at the French Open, according to his coach.
The Belgian returned this week at the ATP event at Umag and fell in the quarterfinals.
"He returned to practicing a couple of weeks ago," said Thierry Van Cleemput, speaking to La Libre. "He is regaining his confidence. But to be sure, there is still a little apprehension when moving."
Goffin, who had been one of the best claycourt players of the season coming into the French Open, rolled his ankle when he caught his foot in a tarp at the back of the court during a third-round match. He withdrew from all his grasscourt events, including Wimbledon, with the injury.
"The ankle is a very delicate part of the body, and there was never any question of taking any risk of his career," said Van Cleemput. "It was better to take time to avoid another injury, especially on grass, since it is very demanding on the ligament level.
"The disappointment was obviously very big in Paris, but he is intelligent, rational...David was very calm."
Goffin had been scheduled to play next week's claycourt event at Gstaad before the injury, but decided to add another event this week because of the layoff.
His coach said it was a good idea for Goffin to return on his favorite surfaces, noting, "This is the best for him to get his confidence and good sensations, and the least demanding for his ankles."
The Belgian will be the top seed at Gstaad, and starts play in the second round.