National tennis coach Steve Bean has hailed Bermuda’s impressive showing at last week’s Under-12 Masters tennis tournament in Monterray, Mexico.

The Island’s girls’ team comprised of Imani Phillips and Kaylah Ming finished fourth in their division while the boys’ team of Ricky Mallory III and Ben Lines placed seventh.

Former Somerset Trojans footballer Bean said the team’s display suggested that local tennis was headed in the right direction.

“The future of Bermuda tennis looks good when you’re got youngsters playing like that,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“Bermuda is doing a good job at the junior level and definitely heading in the right direction.”

Bean said the Island’s representatives demonstrated great character on and off the court.

“They definitely showed a lot of character and passion,” he added. “Bermuda should be proud of these youngsters who represented themselves well — not only on the tennis courts — but also off the courts as well.”

Bean said the youngsters continued to demonstrate a burning desire to enhance their skills.

“They are showing interest in improving their game because they are working hard and putting in more time than they used to,” he added. “I have noticed a general improvement in their approach.”

Bermuda qualified for the Under-12 Masters event in Mexico after placing third at last month’s ITF/GSDF English Caribbean Wilson Under-12 COTECC Team Championships in Jamaica.