Tariq Simons endured mixed emotions after his superb run at the Bermuda World Tennis Open 2 was ended by American Rohan Sachdev in the second round on Thursday.

Simons, who picked up his first professional win on Wednesday, produced a spirited display in the first set, failing to capitalise on four set points before going on to lose in the tie-break. Despite breaking his opponent early in the second set, the American fought back to take the second set 6-3 to seal the victory at WER Joell Stadium.

“Definitely a mix of emotions, but this is sport and life in general where you’re either up or down,” Simons told The Royal Gazette.

“I’m experiencing a bit more sourness compared to the sweet first victory on Wednesday.

“I still have some incentive to improve. I want to bridge that gap between where I am right now and what it is to hold a pro title, it’s a good incentive to get back to the drawing board.”

The Bermudian believes he has to work on his composure to withstand pressure in the decisive moments.

“You get to a finish line or at least halfway there and you want to mentally get over that hump,” Simons said.

“Sometimes it’s a little mental weakness more than a physical disadvantage, but it is nice to know that it is as close as a point away at times.

“Also knowing the depth of bridging that mental gap to get over that and win those points when it does matter, so some work to do on the brain, some work to do in terms of bravery, experience and how to get into those moments and be victorious.”

The 25-year-old has shown that he can compete with players at this level, having taken time off from the sport last year to train as an Isha Hatha Yoga teacher in India.

“I was in a different place a year or two ago as I went off the grid,” the Davis Cup player said.

“I went to the East for six months and it’s a different lifestyle and I had an intense stretch.

“I came back and fell in love with the game, coaching and playing again, but right now it’s still an introduction back into my full-fledged career.

Simons is open to any assistance he can get to take his game to the next level, with funding at the heart of his needs.

“In terms of sponsorship and help, that is always needed,” he added.

“I work full-time developing juniors in Bermuda because I love it. I love them and they seem to really want to do it.

“So to tackle that as well as my own professional career, it’s definitely a struggle. Money is at the peak of that struggle because money takes you places, makes opportunities and moves things, so I’m definitely welcome to any of that.

“I’ll definitely be campaigning in 2027. A few people love me very much, so I’ll definitely be asking them, not just for money, but for support.”