ALEXIS Canter was proud of the way he pushed the best junior in world tennis over two tight sets at Wimbledon.

The Long Wittenham teenager lost 7-6, 7-5 to No 1 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round of the boys’ singles yesterday.

There was only one break of serve in the match, which the Greek player earned in the 11th game of the second set, before serving out for victory in 1hr 19mins on Court 5.

Despite losing in the first round, Canter, 61 in the ITF Juniors rankings, was pleased with his performance in light of being handed the toughest possible draw in the competition.

The 18-year-old said: “I feel proud because recently I have not had many matches where I have felt like I have played like I can.

“To do it on a great court at Wimbledon, I am very proud of that.”

Canter had a mini-break in the first set tie-break to lead 3-2.

But Tsitsipas, who is 358th in the men’s world rankings, was able to find another gear when it mattered, reeling off five straight points to take the set.

The Oxfordshire No 1 added: “I played and served very well.

“I did not quite get the rhythm on return, but his serve was extremely good on the big points.

“It was a good match and I am happy with how I played.”

It all meant an early end to the action at SW19 for Canter, who will be too old for the junior event next year.

He had been hoping to play in the doubles with Luke Hammond, but the pair did not receive a wildcard.