Defending champion Jennifer Capriati was put out of the first round of the Australian Open this morning by losing in three sets to Germany's Marlene Weingartner.
Weingartner, the world number 90, stunned the American third seed 2-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 after a gutsy display on the Rod Laver Arena.
Capriati praised Weingartner's performance but said she thought her defeat could be partly attributed to eye surgery she underwent during the off-season.
"My eyes felt okay but I would have to say that the recovery time was not enough.
"I didn't give myself enough time to prepare properly, and had I not been the defending champion I probably would not have showed up," said Capriati, who was treated for a condition that gave her blurred vision in November.
"I'm not trying to make excuses but I have to say that it affected my preparations for this tournament," said Capriati.
Capriati, bidding for a hat-trick of Australian Open titles after victories in 2001 and 2002, had looked to be cruising into the second round after racing away with the first set against her nervous-looking opponent.