World number two Serena Williams suffered a shock defeat in her second match after injury at the ASB Classic in New Zealand.
The 35-year-old lost 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 to compatriot and world number 72 Madison Brengle in Auckland.
Williams had returned to action after four months out Tuesday, claiming she was ‘rusty’ despite winning.
It was a disappointing day for the Williams sisters after older sister Venus withdrew with an arm injury.
The 36-year-old beat New Zealand wildcard Jade Lewis 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 and was due to play Japan’s Naomi Osaka in the second round later on yesterday but pulled out before the match.
Tournament director Karl Budge said that the seven-time Grand Slam winner “wasn’t able to serve as she would like to and at the level that we have come to expect from Venus and unfortunately that has taken her away from the tournament this year”.
Williams is hoping to be fit for the start of the Australian Open, which starts on 16 January
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