Martin Lee has put his comeback on hold for a few days because of a groin problem.

The Davis Cup player from East Preston intended to play qualifiers for this week's Stella Artois Championship at Queen's Club.

But a reaction in his comeback tournament at Surbiton to a knee problem, which sidelined him for nine months, prompted a change of heart.

Brian Lee, his father, said: "I think he was over-compensating and suffered a groin problem. He is seeing the physio but thought it best to rest it for a few days."

Lee got through a round of qualifying at Subiton with a three-set victory against Ross Hutchings.

David Sherwood halted his progress at the next stage with a straight sets win.

Lee, a member at Angmering, was just relieved to be playing again.

Brian said: "It has been a long, hard road for him and the overwhelming emotion was one of relief that he was able to set foot on a tennis court again.

"Ross (son of former British Davis Cup captain Paul) gave him a difficult match. Fortunately for Martin he managed to squeeze through 7-5 in the third.

"There was talk of playing David on the same day but it was delayed for 24 hours. Martin said he'd have preferred to have played a second game as he had warmed up and wanted more match practice.

"When he got to play David he felt as stiff as a board."

Lee, who has slipped to 298 in the world rankings, has few rankings points to defend during the grasscourt season because he lost to Australian Mark Phillippoussis in his opening match in the main draw at Queen's last year.

And he was defeated early on by Pete Sampras at Wimbledon two weeks later.

Brian said: "He is not expecting any great results in the grasscourt season. He just wants to work his way back again."