Serena Williams said she is relishing her return to the WTA Tour, despite losing to Vera Zvonareva at the Aegon International on Wednesday.
Williams, who is seeded seventh for her Wimbledon title defence beginning Monday, said her comeback was pleasing, despite world number three Zvonareva triumphing 3-6 7-6 (7-5 ) 7-5 in their second-round clash at Eastbourne.
"It was a good two matches for me, I couldn't be happier with the two matches that I've played. So it's good you know, just keep going," Williams said.
"I haven't played in almost a year so I'm a little sore, so the grass always gets you sore. But it's good that I'm sore now because hopefully it means next week I won't be as sore."
Although she came within a few points of defeating the world's third-best player after almost a year on the sidelines, Williams said her best was yet to come.
"I definitely think I can do better, but that's what so comforting, is the fact that I know that I can do so much better and I can improve and I'm so close to being there - it's good," she said.
After her long layoff due to a foot injury and blood clots in her lungs, Williams said her anticipation of returning to SW19 - and playing the rest of the season - could not be higher.
"I'm always looking forward to a challenge and I'm just excited that everything is working and I'm walking and I'm really excited that I'm going to be there," she said.
"I'm not just preparing for Wimbledon, I'm just happy to be here and the weeks after that and for the rest of my career."