Teenage tennis star Daniel Phillips’ amazing run into the main draw of the J1 Bradenton tournament has ended in the first round.

Phillips had beaten players ranked more than 150 places higher in the junior world rankings on his way to qualifying for the biggest tournament of his career to date and faced Serbian Aleksa Pisaric, who is rated the 81st best junior in the world, 244 places above Phillips.

The young Bermudian gave his best, particularly in the first set, but was beaten 6-3, 6-1. Despite that defeat, Phillips was pleased with his performance and itching for another taste of life at this level.

“It was my first J1 tournament and this is my level,” Phillips said.

“It feels good but my opponent was very professional, stayed calm and made few unforced errors. He plays at J1 and J2 level all the time and will possibly be seeded for Junior Grand Slams next year, but I fought to the end.

“I feel happy and thankful to have the chance to compete at this level. I’m on the up and beat players in the 100s to play in the main draw.

“I don’t have much time to rest as I play doubles in the next couple of hours and then prepare for the Orange Bowl.”

Phillips is ending the year on a high with his appearance in the main draw in Florida following hot on the heels of a win in Boca Raton and a runner-up finish in Guatemala, where he also won the doubles tournament with his partner Humza Noor of the United States