After 339 days out of the sport, Storm Hunter made her long-awaited return to the WTA Tour at Austin's ATX Open.
The former doubles world No.1 suffered a devastating Achilles rupture during a practice session for Australia at Brisbane's Pat Rafter Arena ahead of their Billie Jean King Cup qualifier in April last year.
She entered the ATX Open as the second-seed alongside America's Caroline Dolehide in the doubles, where they fell short in a 7-5 3-6 9-11 defeat.
In an incredible third set super tiebreak, Hunter and Dolehide let slip a 7-0 lead and two match points at 9-7.
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Although it wasn't the result she had hoped, Hunter viewed her return as "a win" after nearly 12 months on the sidelines.
The 30-year-old posted on her Instagram story after her tight loss.
"I've never been so happy after losing 11-9 in the super [third set tiebreak]," she wrote.
"Today was a win!! Been dreaming of this day for so so long and even though it didn't go our way, I feel so grateful and lucky to be back out there competing and doing what I love. It's been a hell of a journey coming back and I'm excited to turn the page and start a new chapter. Thank you for all your support and messages!!"
Hunter's last competitive match was a singles encounter at the Miami Open in March last year.
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