BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Naomi Osaka’s return to competitive tennis after becoming a mother ended in a second-round loss at the Brisbane International. While the loss didn’t bother her as much, she expressed disappointment in not having more matches under her belt before the Australian Open.

The four-time major winner faced off against three-time Brisbane International champion Karolina Pliskova in a highly anticipated match. Pliskova ultimately triumphed with a 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory.

Speaking after the match, Osaka credited the birth of her daughter and the resulting changes in her mindset for giving her a new perspective on tennis. She acknowledged that the encounter with Pliskova provided a better indication of her preparations for the upcoming Australian Open.

Despite the loss, Osaka remained positive about her own performance, stating, “I feel like I’m pretty good where I am right now. Even compared to the last time I played her, I believe I played better today.” She also acknowledged Pliskova’s dominance on her home court and expressed curiosity about how she would fare in Melbourne.

Osaka had initially won the first set, but Pliskova made a comeback with her impressive 16 aces and 50 winners. Despite facing 12 breakpoint chances, Pliskova saved 10 of them, making amends for her 11 double faults.

“I saw the stats after, and my break points could have been better,” Osaka admitted. “But, other than that, we both played really well… so hopefully she feels the same way!”

For Pliskova, this tournament marked her return to the court after a left wrist injury hindered her 2023 season. Ranked 39th, she emphasized that there is room for improvement but viewed her opening match as a good start. Pliskova will now face off against third-seeded Jelena Ostapenko in the following round.

Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed and defending Australian Open champion, secured a comfortable victory in her match against Lucia Bronzetti. Second-seeded Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, also won her match against Olivia Gadecki and will face No. 13 Elise Mertens in the next round.

While disappointed about missing out on more matches at the Brisbane International, Osaka’s next event will be an exhibition match at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. She expressed satisfaction with her serving performance against Pliskova, having hit 14 aces and only two double faults. Osaka also mentioned that she has trained rigorously since giving birth and aims to cherish these moments on the court.

Reflecting on her practice and performance in Brisbane, Osaka expressed gratitude for being able to compete and gain confidence ahead of the Australian Open. She remains optimistic about the year ahead and believes it will only get better for her.

Naomi Osaka’s return to professional tennis after becoming a mother ended with a loss at the Brisbane International. Despite the disappointment of not having more matches leading up to the Australian Open, Osaka remains positive about her performance and the changes she has experienced since becoming a mother. This tournament served as a valuable opportunity for Osaka to gauge her preparations for the Grand Slam event in Melbourne. Pliskova, the three-time Brisbane International champion, made a strong comeback after facing initial setbacks. Overall, the tournament showcased promising performances from top-ranked players in both the women’s and men’s divisions, setting the stage for an exciting Australian Open.