Cape Town - Kevin Anderson’s return to tennis was swift one after he was beaten 6-4, 6-1 by Gael Monfils at the Madrid Open on Tuesday.
The win extended the 13th seeded Frenchman's unbeaten head-to-head record against the big-serving South African to 4-0.
Monfils prevailed in one hour and eight minutes, dropping just five points on his first serve and never facing a break point. He broke serve on three of six opportunities.
Anderson, the current world No 19, was playing his first match since February after knee and shoulder injuries and minor ankle surgery had forced his withdrawal from his past seven events.
Monfils will meet either Philipp Kohlschreiber or Pablo Cuevas for a place in the third round.