A despondent James Duckworth admits his game is nowhere near where it needs to be after being dumped out of Wimbledon by German world No.3 Alex Zverev.
Regarded as one of the title contenders at The All England, fourth-seeded Zverev brushed aside the Sydneysider 7-5 6-2 6-0 to march into the second round.
Languishing at No.748 in the world, Duckworth was playing Wimbledon on a protected ranking following shoulder, elbow and foot surgery that kept has him out of action for the best part of 18 months.
He has played just five matches since returning to action at the French Open last month, where he faced another top-class opponent in Marin Cilic.
"I never felt I had great rhythm throughout the match. I was probably lucky to get to 7-5 in that first set," Duckworth told AAP.
"I didn't feel like I served great, I was pretty poor and he's a good player."
Despite believing his body has so far responded well to the rigours of top level tennis, Duckworth says he's a long way off from where he was when he first broke into the top 100 three years ago.
"It's better being here than being back at home and rehabbing and it's a great place to play," he said.
"But it's probably about six months until I feel more confident and hitting the ball.
"The body is feeling good in terms of my arm and my foot. I just need to be playing again and get comfortable with being on court again.
"I am bit hesitant doing things, not through pain which is a positive but just through extended time off.
"I've done all the rehab, the bike and the running.
"Ill train for a few weeks now and play a few tournaments in the States before heading to the US Open.
"Hopefully I can perform a lot better there."
