Britain's Andy Murray hopes to make his competitive return in Brisbane in January following a hip injury - but only if he is 100 per cent fit.
The Scot lost 6-3, 3-6, 10-6 to world number two Roger Federer as part of a charity event in Glasgow on Tuesday, reports BBC.
It was the first time Murray, 30, had played in public since he lost to Sam Querrey at Wimbledon in July.
"I am in a significantly better place than at the end of Wimbledon and in the build-up to the US Open," said Murray.
"Walking was a big problem for me [at that time]," he told BBC Sport.
Murray, who slipped to 16th in the latest world rankings, said he was confident of getting back to full fitness, but admitted that it could take time for him to find his best form.
He will travel to Miami later in the year for his regular off-season training block and "hopes" to return to competition at the Brisbane International in January.
The tournament is held two weeks before the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of 2018, which gets under way on 15 January.
"When I get back on the court again my best form might not come immediately but there's nothing that's making me think I can't find it," Murray added.
"I'll come back when I'm ready and 100% fit. I believe I will get back to that."
Murray also played a doubles match with brother Jamie against Tim Henman and Mansour Bahrami during Tuesday's 'Andy Murray Live' event in Glasgow.
