Teenager Kai Thompson said he felt more equipped for Davis Cup and junior grand slam competition after a tough ATP Tour baptism at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open on Sunday.
The Hongkonger battled gamely on a busy No 1 court at Victoria Park Tennis Centre, saving four match points before going down 6-3, 6-2 to world No 88 Emilio Nava in one hour and two minutes.
The 17-year-old, who will partner Zhou Yi of China in the doubles event, was an unused squad member when Hong Kong shocked Uzbekistan in a Davis Cup tie in September.
With his star on the rise, however, Thompson vowed to continue knuckling down in the hope that he is chosen for February’s home World Group I play-off against Finland.
“Playing in front of this many people for the first time has released a bit of pressure,” Thompson said. “It gets me ready for [Davis Cup], so I will be more prepared and more at ease.
“I have worked hard and will keep doing so, then see if the captain [Yu Hiu-tung] picks me.”