In Stuttgart, the transition to grass begins

The world of tennis has barely recovered from its emotions when it's already time to move on. While the French Open came to an end on Sunday and the clay-court season is officially over, the grass-court tour has already begun.

For five weeks (from 06/10 to 07/14), the world's best players will be competing on grass, with Wimbledon (July 1 to 14) in their sights.

So, while some may still be thinking back to Carlos Alcaraz's magnificent triumph over Alexander Zverev on Sunday (6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2), the time has already come to look to the future. And that future is the fastest surface in modern tennis: grass.

One of the first events of the season takes place this week in Germany. Although it's only an ATP 250, the Stuttgart tournament features a number of top-class players.

The tournament's record of achievements includes such greats as Federer (2018), Nadal (2005, 2007, 2015), Thiem (2016), Ferrer (2006) and Del Potro (2008).

Once again this year, a number of top names are taking part. While some of them will be taking a few days off, others will be building up their confidence as early as this week.

The Stuttgart draw includes Alexander Zverev (4th and unfortunate finalist in Paris), Ben Shelton (14th), Alexander Bublik (17th), Frances Tiafoe (28th and defending champion), Lorenzo Musetti (30th) and Andy Murray, as well as Matteo Berrettini, always a threat on grass, and Denis Shapovalov.