Defending US Open champion Emma Radukanu says she does not know when she will be fully fit after losing to world number 13 Elena Rybakina in 55 minutes.
The Briton avoided a double bagel losing 6-0, 6-1 at the Sydney Tennis Classic on Tuesday, a week ahead of the Australian Open, where he is seeded 17th.
The 19-year-old, who will compete in her first Grand Slam since her stunning win at Flushing Meadows last year, was diagnosed with COVID-19 in December.
She withdrew from last week's Melbourne summer set only to come out of isolation and is unsure when she will be firing on all cylinders.
"It's hard to say because I'm making my way back. I didn't go straight back to training because it's the easiest way to get injured," she said.
"I can't really say that I have a clear answer because the points were not scored today and for today's match, I don't think that was a factor.
"It was me a step back and she was faster and match-tight than me."
While Radukanu had no lead-in time, Rybakina enjoyed a solid tune last week as she reached the final of the Adelaide International, which was stopped by world No. 1 Ash Barty.
But in his first match of the year, Radukanu was clearly outplayed by the Kazakhstani and lost the first nine games.
When he finally claimed a game - a tenth of the match - he let himself laugh a bit - but other than that he had little to smile about.
"I wasn't going to lose love, that was my motivation," she said.
"I want to put myself out there. If I fall I get back up."
"I'm just at the start of my first season so one of my goals isn't to be too low or too high and just make steady progress tracking upwards."