Ricky Mallory has hailed Bermuda’s exploits at the Davis Cup Americas group three tournament in Paraguay.

The island retained its group status at this level for the first time and also achieved a highest finish of fifth to leave the coach and non-playing captain brimming with pride.

“We managed to remain in group three this year, which we have never done, and also our highest finish of fifth,” Mallory told The Royal Gazette.

Bermuda was represented impressively at the event by Trey Mallory, Daniel Phillips, James Finnigan and Gavin Manders.

“The team remained focused on the objective throughout the tournament, playing some world-class tennis,” Mallory added.

“I definitely have to give props to our two standout singles players, Daniel Phillips and Trey Mallory, who definitely left their mark on the courts in Paraguay.

“From a coaching perspective, I loved the challenge of balancing the different personalities within the team. There are times where you need to receive feedback from your players and at the same time be stern on major decisions. Sometimes those decisions don’t fare well with players but the decisions must be respected.

“In Davis Cup, the coach is allowed to sit on court and coach his players which helps tremendously, as the coach is able to see things on the sideline that the players may not pick up on.”

Bermuda retained its group status with a match to spare after a convincing 3-0 win over Panama at Club Internacional de Tenis in Asunción on Friday.

“Against Panama, our players embraced the tactical advice given and implemented it on the court, giving Bermuda the 3-0 win by winning both singles and doubles matches to remain in group three,” Mallory said.

Bermuda then pulled off a stunning 2-1 upset over No 2 seed Dominican Republic the next day to end the campaign on a high.

With the series tied at 1-1, Mallory and Phillips prevailed in the deciding doubles match over Emmanuel Muñoz and Peter Bertran, who has a career-high ATP singles ranking of 540.

“It’s very important for the tennis community and Bermuda as a whole to understand the magnitude and level of tennis our boys compete at,” Mallory said.

It proved to be an especially memorable tournament for Manders, who achieved a record 33rd win for the island at this level in his fifteenth appearance in Davis Cup, equalling a mark established by Jenson Bascome.

Manders was presented with the International Tennis Federation Davis Cup Commitment Award for his long-term service to the island.

‘“A special week for me individually becoming the most accomplished Davis Cup player for Bermuda,” he said. “Six weeks ago I tore a disc in my lower back and didn’t even know if I could play, so thanks to Apex Physio.

“I am truly blessed to be here healthy. The record is for the late Marco Warren and mentor Sam Maybury.”

The 37-year-old reached the most wins by a local player at the event while teaming up with Finnigan in doubles to complete the clean sweep over Panama.

“Playing with my doubles partner and great friend James and getting two more wins for Bermuda and passing the record with him by my side is just the icing on the cake,” Manders added. “But most importantly to me and for Bermuda tennis is what we were able to accomplish as a team by staying in group three.”