Karolina Pliskova beat Naomi Osaka 3-6 7-6(4) 6-4 in a high quality second-round clash at the Brisbane International on Wednesday.
Osaka won her first tour match in 15 months on Monday, after spending time on the sidelines to have a child, but former world number one Pliskova proved too strong for her.
However, Osaka was confident with the progress she has made ahead of this month’s Australian Open.
"I think for me even stepping on the court is a personal win because a couple of weeks ago I was even doubting if I could play with everyone," Osaka said after the match. "So I guess these two matches that I've had kind of prove to me that I am doing okay, and the year is just going to get better for me.
"Even though it's super disappointing today, I know that if I keep training and if I keep putting in the work, then I'll eventually get to where I want to be.
"I'm not really sure if I can be too hard on myself, if that makes sense. I knew going into the match, we had stats on where she serves specifically, but then she changed it up on me.
"I knew that she was going to play really well, and whenever I play her, it's always three sets. The week is definitely shorter than I wanted it to be, but overall I think it was a great match, and I had a lot of fun.
"I feel like I'm pretty good where I am right now. Even the last time I played her, I think I played better today. Well, score-wise at least.
"Honestly, I think I'm pretty good. Like, the court is just really... It's her court, you know what I mean? I guess I'll see what happens in Melbourne."
Osaka will now travel to Melbourne to finish her preparations for the Australian Open. In addition to practice, she will also take part in a charity match on Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday before the first grand slam of the year.
Already a two-time champion in Melbourne, this will be Osaka’s first return to Melbourne Park since 2022.
