BEATEN but far from disgraced — that was the verdict on rising British tennis star Jonathan Cornish after the 17-year-old from Billericay lost in the opening round of Junior Wimbledon.

In the draw for the boys’ singles Cornish, whose sister Stephanie also competed in the girls’ event in SW19 two years ago, had the misfortune of being paired against Australian Open champion Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic, currently ranked as the best male junior player in the world.

Despite the intense heat Cornish gave it everything during the first set on Court Four at the All England Club, one crucial break of serve in the seventh game being enough to tip the match in Vesely’s favour.

But the second set proved to be a different story as the Czech player turned on the style to make sure of a place in the second round, winning 6-4 6-2 overall.

Cornish did not play badly, far from it, but on this occasion Vesely made his experience and class tell to seal victory. Afterwards Cornish refused to blame the stifling conditions for his defeat, agreeing that the better player won.

“I played OK but there was just that one sloppy game in the first set and after that you’re up against it,” said Cornish, who was making his competitive debut at Wimbledon.

“I’d never played anybody with his kind of ranking before. He’s a top player, the Australian Open winner, and today it really showed. I struggled to get into his serve throughout the whole match and felt rushed the whole time, but that’s something I’ve got to work on for next year.

“I’m normally pretty good in the heat so I thought that might benefit me. If it had been colder I think his serve would have been even harder to return. But today it wasn’t to be. Sometimes you get beaten by a better player.”

But Wimbledon is not over just yet for Cornish, as in the boys’ doubles event he has joined forces with Welshman Evan Hoyt. Weather depending the pair should play their first round match today.

“I love it here,” added Cornish. “I’ve practised here before but to actually play in the event is amazing. When I won the first couple of points and the crowd started cheering, that’s just a great feeling.”