Maia Lumsden believes tough Surbiton test will stand her in good stead

Maia Lumsden says a tough test against a higher-ranked opponent will stand her in good stead for the grass court season despite suffering defeat at the LTA's Lexus Surbiton Trophy. The Glasgow player, 25, returned to singles competition at the West London tournament but was unable to battle past Frenchwoman Oceane Dodin in the last 32. Ad Lumsden looked back to her best during a strong second-set showing but Dodin, who is ranked over 30 places higher in the world, edged out a 7-5 3-6 6-3 victory.

TennisMiyazaki edges all-British battle on busy day at Surbiton5 MINUTES AGO The Scot was not disheartened and believes there are positives to take from a solid display ahead of an exciting grass court season. «I haven't played singles in a few months, so it's been a good first tournament back singles-wise,» said Lumsden, who is supported by the LTA's Top 25 Programme. «There are positives to take from playing a high-ranked player and coming close, so I am happy with some of the tennis in there.

»It is good that I got close — some of the things in my game were holding up and I made some improvements in some areas. «It is good to always test yourself against the higher-level players. »That is where I am aiming to be." Dodin will now take on Katie Swan in last 16 after the British star overcome Carol Zhao 6-2 6-0 the day before in West London.

The LTA's Lexus Surbiton Trophy signals the start of the grass court season, with an exciting few months ahead for British hopefuls in the build-up to Wimbledon. And Lumsden was delighted to be back on the surface, adding: «It is so nice to be in the grass season again, it is always such a good time of year. »I enjoyed playing on the grass this week so I'm really looking forward to the next