Stuttgart Open: Kyrgios Says He’s Thrilled to Be Back

Nick Kyrgios has said he is thrilled to be back on the tennis court after a long and grueling absence caused by wrist and knee injuries.

He made an emotional return to singles play, defeating world No. 36 Corentin Moutet in straight sets at the Stuttgart Open.

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In a conversation with Reuters, Kyrgios reflected on the difficult road to recovery and how the support of his fans kept him motivated.

“I feel great and motivated,” Kyrgios said after his victory.

“(It’s) quite an emotional moment. I had a lot of surgeries and I’m very thrilled to be back.”

“I had a wrist reconstruction, I 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.”

“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.”

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“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.”

The Australian, who was once ranked No. 13 in the world, had not played a singles match since the Brisbane International in January, when he lost in 66 minutes to world No. 58 Aleksandar Kovacevic.

Having missed the entire 2024 season, he has won just one singles match since October 2022.