Nick Kyrgios has won his first singles match in 15 months, defeating world No 36 Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-4 at the ATP Stuttgart event on Tuesday.
What happened?
The Australian, once ranked No 13 in the world, had not played a singles match since appearing at the Brisbane International in January.
He wound back the clock with powerful serves and a smattering of showmanship, with drop shots and tweeners helping to take down the Frenchman in less than an hour.
Why it matters for Nick Kyrgios
Having missed the entire 2024 season, Kyrgios has won just one singles match since October 2022.
His latest comeback has sparked hopes of a return to top-level tennis, with a good showing on the grass in Stuttgart potentially putting him in the frame for a wildcard in London.
What comes next?
Kyrgios will next play Japan's Sho Shimabukuro, ranked 101, on Thursday, after a doubles match with partner Alexander Bublik on Wednesday.
He said post-match that he was delighted to be back on court after having doubted his continued participation in top-level tennis.
The 31-year-old Kyrgios had a wrist reconstruction and four knee surgeries, but has put in a lot of work and is feeling good about himself.
He will look to build on his winning return to the world circuit in the build-up to Wimbledon, where he reached the final in 2022.
Kyrgios was pleased with the way he played, and the way he's feeling in his body, after putting in a lot of work.
He's thrilled to be back and playing some high-level tennis, but isn't feeling confident just yet.
The Australian will see how he feels tomorrow, before his next match against Shimabukuro.