Kerber loses first match in Europe since return to tennis

Former world number one and three-time grand slam winner Angelique Kerber has lost her first match in Europe as her difficult return to tennis from maternity leave continued on Tuesday.

German wildcard entry Kerber bowed out in the first round in Linz, Austria, 6-1, 6-3, against 58th-ranked Italian Lucia Bronzetti.

Kerber, 36, gave birth to a daughter in February 2023. She made her comeback after 18 months away from the tour on December 30 at the United Cup in Australia.

Germany won the mixed team event title but Kerber won only one of her five singles rubbers. She then went out in the first round at the Australian Open.