It is tough coming back, perhaps tougher than proud champions like Caroline Wozniacki, Angelique Kerber and Naomi Osaka imagined.
They have hit some high notes and wonderful shots since they recently returned to the tour after long maternity layoffs, but for now, none of these former world No. 1 players has made it past the quarterfinals in an individual tournament.
Wozniacki, 33, and Kerber, 36, remain remarkable movers and counterpunchers for any age but have looked underpowered at times, or at least short on knockout blows. Osaka is in a different category.