Michael Phelps won two and lost two races in the the Santa Clara International Grand Prix, his second competition since his return from a three-month suspension by USA Swimming following a photo of him using a marijuana pipe had made the rounds.
Phelps endured a similar fate in his comeback event at Charlotte, North Carolina as well.
However, on Sunday, the American was beaten in the 100m freestyle and 100m backstroke events.
In the 100m freestyle, featuring seven Olympians among the nine finalists, Phelps finished second behind defending world champion Brent Hayden of Canada.
And in the 100m backstroke event Phelps lost to Olympic teammate Ryan Lochte.
"I'm ready to go home and sleep in my own bed," said Phelps was quoted as saying by the media afterwards.
"For me, it's about seeing where we are and where we have to improve on. The wins are going to be more down the road."
Phelps will next participate in a final tuneup meet in Montreal next weekend before the U.S. nationals in Indianapolis on July 7-11.
The latter is where the team for the world championships in Rome will be selected.