Roger Federer's return cut short by rain in Stuttgart

Roger Federer's return from injury in the second round of the Stuttgart Open was cut short when rain brought Wednesday's play to an early close.

A back injury forced Federer to pull out of the French Open last month, but he was back on court to face teenager Taylor Fritz at the tournament in Germany that he is playing for the first time in his illustrious career.

The match was initially delayed due to rain and, after Federer had moved a break in front for a 4-3 lead, the adverse conditions returned and play was called for the day.

The pair are now set to finish the remainder of the match on Thursday.

The winner will face world number 226 Florian Mayer in the quarter-finals after the German overcame compatriot Michael Berrer 6-3 3-6 6-4.

Seventh seed Philipp Kohlschreiber defeated Denis Kudla 7-5 6-3 to advance to the last eight, but he will have to wait to find out who his next opponent will be with the weather delaying Marin Cilic's encounter against Radek Stepanek.