With a women’s draw that was wide-open and having reached the semifinals and quarterfinals in her first two appearances at the Australian Open, there was optimism that Johanna Konta could contend for the title this year. But on a day where many struggled with the extreme heat, the Brit fell to American lucky-loser Bernarda Pera 6-4, 7-5.

Despite the loss, Konta reflected with a glass half full attitude afterward. “It's a bit frustrating, but also I think I'm still taking good stuff from this,” Konta said.

Konta finished 2017 with a chance to qualify for the WTA Finals but a foot injury forced her out of the Kremlin Cup and she did not compete again. She lost her last 5 matches of the season.

“I don't feel, by any means, it's a massive catastrophe. I play every event to be there until the end, so I definitely don't want to be going home this early,” she said. “But I think in terms of building myself back up again and then playing the way I want to play, I think I keep moving forward.”

The world number 10 and top Brit felt she did not do enough to give her a chance to win the match. “I didn’t do quite as much as I wanted. I don’t think I did enough with my service games, I don’t think I did enough with my returns, as well. I don’t think I adapted well enough,” she said.

Konta will look to get her match fitness and confidence back as she moves forward.

The American played a poise, consistent match. The left-hander struck a good balance of offense with defense and maintained control of the contest.

She will face 20th seeded Barbora Strycova next, in the third round.