Daniel Phillips did his utmost to conceal his excitement and keep his poise after coming face to face with Rafa Nadal in the parking lot of the former world No 1’s tennis academy in Mallorca.

“He was near his Mercedes-Benz coming into the academy and I was leaving,” Phillips said. “I was really excited but I didn’t want to show it.

“It was a really amazing experience and he is really cool. We spoke to each other a bit.

“He asked me where do I want to take my game and I said I want to be the number one in the world and he just smiled at me.”

The promising 11-year-old player spent two weeks honing his skills at the Rafa Nadal Academy.

Putting Phillips through his paces was Toni Nadal, the uncle and coach of 14-times grand-slam winner.

“We did lots of drills like foot work and consistency, trying to keep the ball in and placement,” Phillips said. “It’s a really nice academy, and they push you to your limits.”

During his time at the academy Phillips underlined his potential after capturing age-group honours in mixed singles in a tournament featuring some of the best junior players in the region, losing just two games in the process.

Among those he defeated en route to the title was Marta Nadal, daughter of Nadal’s coach Toni, in his opening match on the hard-court surface.

“My first two matches were easy wins but the semi-final and final were really tough though,” Phillips said.

Phillips defeated Miguel Peset in the final after steadying his nerves.

“I was nervous in the final but after the first game I lost my nervousness and my confidence grew,” he said.

“I had to work really hard to win that match and I think being consistent and my serve, forehand and backhand helped me win. It was a really extraordinary experience and I was really happy with my game.”

Phillips hopes to one day be as successful as Nadal, who is widely regarded as the greatest clay-court player in history.

“My goal is to be number one in the world and win the four grand slams,” he said.

“It’s going to take lot of effort, work and knowledge. But I believe I can there.”

Phillips will now look to build on his success in Spain at next week’s Highland Spring Junior Open Tournament at the Pomander Gate Tennis Club, where he is competing in under-12 doubles and under-14 singles.

“It’s a really big step up for me this year,” said Phillips, who captured the under-12 title at last year’s Highland Spring Junior Open.

“My expectations are to play the best that I can and hopefully all the work will pay off,”

“I’m very happy where my development is at the moment.”