Nick Kyrgios sets grass-court comeback with Stuttgart entry after injury struggles

Nick Kyrgios has confirmed his intention to return to ATP Tour competition on grass after accepting a wild card into the Stuttgart Open, marking a significant step in his comeback following a prolonged injury absence. The Australian has played just one singles match so far in 2026 and only seven since the start of the 2023 season due to ongoing physical issues.

The former Wimbledon finalist has struggled with knee and wrist injuries in recent years, both of which required surgery and have disrupted his schedule. His limited appearances have impacted his ranking and consistency, with extended periods away from competition preventing sustained momentum on tour.

Kyrgios’ entry into Stuttgart, an ATP 250 event held two weeks before Wimbledon, signals a clear intention to return for the grass-court swing. The surface has historically been his strongest, highlighted by his run to the Wimbledon final in 2022, where he lost to Novak Djokovic.

Despite previously suggesting that 2026 could be his final season, Kyrgios has recently indicated renewed motivation to compete, particularly during the grass season. His decision to play Stuttgart aligns with those plans and provides a structured pathway back to top-level competition.

Kyrgios’ acceptance of a wild card into the BOSS Open positions Stuttgart as a key preparatory event ahead of Wimbledon. The tournament, played on grass at the Weissenhof Tennis Club, regularly attracts a strong field and serves as an early test for players transitioning from clay to faster surfaces.

The 29-year-old has positive memories of Stuttgart and views the event as an ideal environment to rebuild match fitness. With limited recent match play, the opportunity to compete in a smaller ATP 250 draw could prove valuable in regaining rhythm without the immediate pressure of a Grand Slam.

The Stuttgart field is expected to include several top players, including defending champion Taylor Fritz, along with Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and Matteo Berrettini. Germany’s Justin Engel has also received a wild card, adding further depth to the tournament lineup.

For Kyrgios, whose serve and aggressive style are well-suited to grass courts, Stuttgart offers a realistic platform to assess his physical condition ahead of Wimbledon. Kyrgios’ best performance in Stuttgart includes semifinal runs in 2018 (loss to Roger Federer) and 2022 (loss to Andy Murray).

“The Weissenhof is a fantastic place to play tennis, with really good grass courts,” said Kyrgios, who last played Stuttgart in 2023. “Every time I’ve been there I’ve had a great time: the fans and the atmosphere are very special, so I’m already looking forward to seeing you all again.”

Kyrgios’ comeback attempt follows an extended period of limited activity on tour. Since the beginning of the 2023 season, he has played just seven singles matches, with recurring injuries preventing consistent participation. His most recent appearance came at the Brisbane International in January 2026, where he lost in the opening round to Aleksandar Kovacevic.

Earlier results reflect similar challenges, including early exits at tournaments such as the Australian Open and Miami Masters in 2025. A retirement at Indian Wells that same year further underlined the physical difficulties he has faced in returning to full fitness.

In addition to singles, Kyrgios has made occasional appearances in doubles, including at the Australian Open, where he competed in mixed doubles alongside Leylah Fernandez and recorded a first-round win. He also teamed up in men’s doubles with Thanasi Kokkinakis in Brisbane and Melbourne, recording one win and two losses.