Joanna Parker accentuated the positives despite being knocked out of the London 2012 Olympics women's table tennis singles by Kristin Silbereisen.
The challenge was always going to be difficult for Parker, who sits 72 places below her opponent in the ITTF world rankings.
In the end, the German's power proved too much for the Brit's defensive style as she slipped to a 4-1 loss in the second round.
"It was always going to be a tough game," said Parker. "I have seen her play defenders before and she has got a very good game against it.
"Her first attack is just so strong, especially for a woman, and that makes the rest of the rally all the more difficult. I am happy because I played well but, to beat players at that level, I have to be better."
After losing the first two games, Parker threatened a comeback by taking the next.
However, she handed the initiative back to Silbereisen with a sloppy start to the fourth - something she was left rueing.
"I did well to win that set and I think I made her nervous," added Parker. "That changed the dynamic a little. But I got off to not the best start in the next and gave her the confidence again, and then she ran away with it."
Despite her loss, Parker - who will be joined by Kelly Sibley and Na Liu for the team event on August 3 - can at least take away the memory of Saturday's 4-0 triumph over Caroline Kumahara.
"Having the whole hall watching me has been a new experience," she admitted. "I'll never experience anything like that again.
"Anything else in the future will mean nothing compared to this - it has been a great experience.
"Yesterday's moment was great. Even today, when I lost, the crowd were still cheering me and I cannot be too disappointed."