Kyrgios wins Stuttgart opener after five-month tour absence

Nick Kyrgios has marked his return to the tennis tour with a commanding straight-sets victory over Corentin Moutet at the Stuttgart ATP Tour event. The Australian triumphed 6-3, 6-4, securing his second singles win since 2022.

Kyrgios, who received a wildcard entry into the grass-court tournament, had been sidelined for five months due to a series of injuries, primarily affecting his knee and wrist. His last singles match was in January at the Brisbane International. The 31-year-old's future on the tour hinges on his mental desire and physical resilience.

In the round of 16, Kyrgios is set to face world number 101 Sho Shimabukuro. Meanwhile, other Australian players also found success in Stuttgart. James Duckworth defeated German teenager Diego Dedura 6-4, 6-3, and Rinky Hijikata overcame local wildcard Tom Gentzsch 6-7, 7-6, 6-3.

Duckworth will now play fourth seed Jiří Lehečka, while Hijikata faces sixth seed Frances Tiafoe in their respective next matches.