BOGOTA (AFP) - Maria Sharapova described her return after a four-month injury absence as a "baby step" forward in her recovery.

The four-time major winner took on 2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanovic in an exhibition match in Bogota as she tested the injured shoulder which forced her to call time on her 2013 season after a first-round loss in Cincinnati in August.

"After months of not competing, tonight was a baby step forward! I missed this so much! Thank you Colombia for such a warm welcome. #imback," tweeted the Russian superstar yesterday.

Sharapova lost 6-1, 1-6, 12-10 to the Serb.

The injury forced the 26-year-old world No. 4 to miss the US Open and season-ending WTA Championships.

She is due to make her competitive return at the Brisbane International from Dec 30.