Bermuda’s top female pickleball player Imani Phillips has been handed the chance to work with Lee Whitwell, the world’s No 1 senior women's professional.

Phillips, who is trying to break into the professional circuit in one of the fastest-growing sports in North America, met with Whitwell when the Florida-based Gibraltarian visited Bermuda in March.

The two are in the process of formulating ways of joining forces, with the Bermudian due to travel to Orlando at the beginning of next month as she seeks to take her game to the next level.

“During the short time I met with Lee Whitwell, we connected and understood each other,” Phillips said.

“Her communication was incredible and I know that I’ll learn so much from her. I think she’ll only improve my game because it’s improved so much already and when I spend time with coaches, it just takes it to a whole new level.

“Working with Lee will develop my footwork and mobility on the court as a pickleball player, instead of being adjusted and adapted from my movement as a tennis player.

“I’m always relearning tennis to pickleball. She was a professional tennis player as well, she played pro doubles on tour, so she understands my history and can explain things to me in a way that I can easily grasp.

“If this was basketball, she would be Michael Jordan, that’s how good she is. She doesn’t even play tournaments any more because her students play in those tournaments, so it’s not fair for her to play.”

Phillips, who won the mixed doubles with Puerto Rican Carlos Rodriguez at the Association of Pickleball Players tournament in Cayman Islands in March, has huge aspirations.

“My biggest goal this year is to win a pro tournament,” the 23-year-old said.

“I’m just going to keep on doing what I’m doing. I’ll keep on playing tournaments that make sense, meet people and keep getting results.

“I've been so blessed to receive the results I've received. Every tournament, I’m just taking a step closer and I’m improving more.

“I’m trying to come to a point where I can be so regimented in training, where I can repeatedly practice hitting the same shot.

“Right now, I’m training, refocusing, working on my mobility. That’s what I always do after every tournament, I get my body back up and then prepare for the next one.”