Nick Kyrgios, the 31-year-old former world number 13, won his first tour-level singles match since March 2025 by defeating France's Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round of the Stuttgart Open on June 9, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The win came at the Wimbledon warm-up event in Stuttgart, marking a significant step in Kyrgios’ return to competitive tennis after a lengthy injury spell.
Kyrgios has battled multiple injuries in recent years, including a wrist reconstruction and four knee surgeries, which severely limited his playing time [1, 2, 3, 4]. Since reaching the Wimbledon final in July 2022, Kyrgios played just one singles match throughout 2023, missed the entire 2024 season, and competed in only five tour-level singles matches in 2025 [1, 2, 3]. He had played one match in 2026 before Stuttgart [1, 2].
Reflecting on his struggles, Kyrgios said, "I had a wrist reconstruction, I've had four knee surgeries, so I'm really battling, but at the same time I've put in a lot of work, I'm really feeling good about myself" [1]. He added, "Honestly, there were so many times I was thinking: 'Why am I playing? What more do I need to do?' And I look at you guys and this is why I’m playing, so I'll hang around a little longer" [2].
After his Stuttgart win, Kyrgios expressed cautious optimism: "I'm pleased with the way I played today, I'm pleased with the way I'm feeling in my body, I've been putting in a lot of work so I'm just really happy to be back" [3]. He also said, "I'm so thrilled to be back, and playing some high-level tennis as well. Confident? I don't know if that is a word I'm feeling quite yet. Obviously, I will see how I feel tomorrow" [3].
Currently unranked due to his time away from the tour, Kyrgios is scheduled to play Japanese qualifier Sho Shimabukuro in the second round at Stuttgart on June 11, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. A strong showing at Stuttgart could help Kyrgios secure a wildcard entry for Wimbledon 2026 [1, 2, 3].
