NO HAPPY RETURN RUST BELTED.

Byline: MATTHEW KREDELL Staff Writer

CARSON -- Lindsay Davenport wasn't ready to play competitive tennis after more than four months off with a back injury. She feared as much going into her first match Wednesday at the JPMorgan Chase Open.

By the end of the first set, she knew for sure.

A frustrated Davenport seemed a step slow and a millisecond off in a 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-3 loss to Samantha Stosur of Australia in the second round at Home Depot Center.

``It probably just felt too early,'' Davenport said of her comeback. ``I felt like I had no reactions out there.''

By the third set, a tired Davenport couldn't get her first serve over 100 miles per hour.

She had one of 10 double faults to give away a second break and fall behind 2-5.

She didn't even make an attempt at Stosur's backhand service return winner on match point.

``My body started to feel drained as the match went on,'' said Davenport, who had a bye in the first round.

It was Davenport's earliest tournament exit in 3 1/2 years, since a second- round loss to Ai Sugiyama in Scottsdale, Ariz., in February 2003.

She appeared to be down on herself during many of her 29 errors, compared to 33 winners. She struggled to handle the serve of Stosur, who hit 15 aces.

``She always hits the ball hard, flat and deep,'' said Stosur, ranked No. 37, who beat Davenport for the first time in three tries. ``She was still able to do that. I don't think she was moving very well today.''

Davenport, the former No. 1-ranked player who lives in Laguna Beach, didn't regret playing in the tournament. Every comeback needs to begin somewhere, and she wanted to start hers in her hometown event.

``I certainly don't feel my best after playing maybe a shade of what I can play, but it's a long road back after every injury,'' Davenport said. ``This time, being (in) a tournament in California, and me being excited just to be back hitting the tennis ball, overshadowed wanting to play my best.''

Davenport, 30, hadn't played since March at Indian Wells because of a chronic lower back injury. She began hitting the ball again less than a month ago and was encouraged that her back didn't give her any problems during Wednesday's match.

Davenport has a long way to go to be ready for the U.S. Open in three weeks. She plans to practice next week, then play in New Haven, Conn., beginning Aug. 21, before going to the U.S. Open the following week.

``There's still tons and tons of things I need to get better,'' Davenport said. ``Hopefully, the next time you see me, I'll be much sharper.''

Serena Williams, another player coming off injury, again looked good in her return with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Ashley Harkleroad.

Williams, who grew up in Compton, passed a test by playing a day match following Tuesday's first-round night match with no negative results for her left knee.

``Physically, I felt pretty good,'' Williams said. ``I wasn't as strong as I was (Tuesday). I just felt a little slow.''

It didn't show much on the court in her first meeting against the No. 102-ranked Harkleroad. Williams had seven aces and 22 winners to 11 errors.

Top-seeded Maria Sharapova cruised to a 6-3, 6-1 victory against fellow Russian Anastassia Rodionova.

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CAPTION(S):

2 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- color) Lindsay Davenport, returning to action for the first time in more than four months, lost to Samantha Stosur on Wednesday.

(2 -- color) Serena Williams won her second-round match against Ashley Harkleroad, 6-3, 6-2.

John Lazar/Staff Photographer

Box:

JPMORGAN CHASE OPEN