Shot-making duel: Nick Kyrgios set for grass-court return in Stuttgart with unorthodox Moutet test

The former Wimbledon finalist, Nick Kyrgios, is ready for his return to the courts after five months at the start of the grass swing. The former world No. 13 already has his comeback scheduled for next week, after appearing in the main draw of the Stuttgart Open, where he received a wildcard from the organization.

It will be an interesting matchup for his return against one of the most unpredictable opponents on the tour: it is the Frenchman Corentin Moutet – 8th seed on this occasion and currently world No. 34, who has already given something to talk about previously in grass-court tournaments.

It will not only be about singles, as Kyrgios is also preparing to compete in doubles alongside another highly distinctive shot-maker and entertainer: none other than Alexander Bublik. Without a doubt, Kyrgios’ return will carry plenty of showmanship, and not only from his side, with two of the ATP Tour’s most flamboyant figures stepping onto the same stage.

For Kyrgios it will be his second appearance of the year, after a brief appearance in Brisbane International at the start of the season, where he was defeated in the first round by Aleksandar Kovacevic. Since his notable 2022 season, the Australian has attempted several times to return to the courts, but his physical condition has not allowed it.

Kyrgios has undergone several surgeries in recent years and has suffered repeated wrist and knee injuries that have kept him off the courts for years. Since the end of the 2022 season, Kyrgios has only played a total of 6 tournaments across the last four seasons, recording just one victory. His last Tour-level win was at the Miami Open 2025 against Mackenzie McDonald, before being eliminated by Khachanov and disappearing from the courts for the rest of the year.

Already in March of this year it was announced that Kyrgios would return to the courts during the grass swing at the Stuttgart Open. The Australian was confirmed with a wildcard months ago and since then has been preparing for a new return to the courts, now at 31 years old and without ranking.

The Australian started the year with the intention of competing in more tournaments, but his physical condition prevented it. After participating in Brisbane International, he appeared in the mixed doubles at the Australian Open alongside Leylah Fernandez – achieving a first-round victory (against Skupski/Krawczyk), before losing in the second round against the duo Tracy/Danilina.

However, Kyrgios has not played any matches since then and has remained away from the tennis world in recent months, with no major news regarding his return to the courts. With the start of the grass swing, it is confirmed that we will see Kyrgios back in just a few days when he debuts in Stuttgart, a tournament where he reached the semifinals twice (2018, 2022).

A few months ago, Kyrgios admitted that he expected to play grass-court events on the ATP level this season, as well as some UTS events. In fact, he is already confirmed for the debut of the exhibition tournament that will soon travel to Rio for its first incursion into South American courts.

For now, his first major challenge will be against Corentin Moutet, the 26-year-old French player and current world No. 34, who arrives in Stuttgart as the 8th seed. A duel without a doubt interesting considering that both are players who stand out for an irreverent style of play – prioritizing spectacle over pure power and not afraid to play underarm serves or constant slices and drop shots to surprise the opponent.

For Kyrgios, for now, this is his only confirmed official event, although considering his return to grass courts, there are still several tournaments that could announce a wildcard for the Australian – a figure who always attracts tennis fans and fills stadiums despite his time without competitive rhythm.