Stuttgart Open: Andy Murray tops Christopher O'Connell in Stuttgart opener

Former World No. 1 Andy Murray began his grass-court season with a comfortable straight-set victory over his Australian opponent. The British tennis star had a rough start and lost the first three games. However, Andy Murray soon bounced back and found his footing to seal his victory after one hour and 35 minutes of play. The win improved the record of the Brit on Grass to 111-23.

The two-time Wimbledon champion decided to miss out on most of the clay-court season, including the French Open, to focus on his grass-court preparation. He began his 2022 season with a wildcard entry at Mutua Madrid Open last month, where he reached the third round. Last week at Surbiton Trophy, Andy Murray lost to Denis Kudla of America in the semifinals.

In a post-match interview, Andy Murray said, "It feels completely different. Last year I was barely training before Queen's, and when I was training, I was not moving well. I also entered Queen's at the last minute, had an issue with a nerve in my leg, and did not feel great. I have trained for three weeks on grass this year and had good seasons. I have had some good matches and a good buildup for Wimbledon.

Andy Murray will lock horns with Alexander Bublik of Russia in the second round of the Stuttgart Open on June 9.

Nick Kyrgios beats Jiri Lehecka in the first round

Nick Kyrgios won against Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic 7-6(7-3), 6-3 in the opening round of the men's singles Stuttgart Open at Tennis Club Weissenhof on June 7.

Nick Kyrgios had some early troubles and was broken by the Czech youngster. However, he was dominant with the server, and the first round went into a tiebreak. It took him some time to find his footing on the grass, but the Australian upped his game and won the first set 7-3. He had a much better start to the second set and quickly rushed to a 5-3 lead to finish it off after one hour and 18 minutes of action.

Nick Kyrgios won 80% of the points on the first serve and struck 18 aces. He lost just seven points in the match and committed only four double faults.