Bermuda started their Davis Cup with a 3-0 defeat to the Dominican Republic in Paraguay on Monday.

Competing in Davis Cup Americas group three, pool B at the Club Internactional de Tenis in Asuncion, Trey Mallory was the first Bermudian to take to the court when losing 6-2, 6-2 to Peter Bertran.

In the second singles match, Daniel Phillips put up a gallant display against Roberto Cid Subervi. Having lost the first set 6-3, Phillips fought hard in the second, forcing a tie-break before eventually losing 7-6.

Bermuda fielded Tariq Simmons and James Finnigan against Alejandro Jose Gandini and Antonio Matteo Iaquinto Diaz in the doubles with the Bermudians losing 6-2, 7-6.

Mallory felt he should have been more robust against Bertran.

“I had a tough match,’’ Mallory said.

“He’s a solid player and ranked top 600 in the ATP. I was a little nervous going into the match and felt I played a little timid at times.

“I needed to be more aggressive when given the chances but, credit to my opponent, he played a solid match.”

Finnigan’s reflection centred on the sluggish start he and Simons made in the first set in their first match for Bermuda as a doubles pairing.

“We started off slow and got into the second set playing some great doubles,’’ Finnigan said.

“It was the first time for Tariq and I playing doubles at international level together. It was a tough loss, but I believe we have a lot to look forward to this week.”

Simons saw the doubles as a perfect opportunity for his reintegration into the team after he missed last year’s competition.

“The match was a privilege for me and I was happy to be out here competing with someone who’s like a brother to me,’’ the island’s No 1 player said.

“It was also a great way for me to become familiar with the new playing environment before my first singles match.

“I’m grateful to be here and healthy with a team I enjoy sharing space with and looking forward to an intense week of tennis.”

Steven Bean’s side, who now sit bottom of the group, face Guatemala today and the squad managed to catch a glimpse of the Guatemalans when they lost 2-1 to the Dominican Republic.

They also lost by a similar scoreline on Monday against Jamaica, who play Bermuda tomorrow, a day before the Bermudians finish things off against Puerto Rico on Friday.