Daniel Phillips and his Tulane University teammates navigated a grueling road test, emerging with a hard-fought 4–3 victory over the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The result serves as a significant confidence booster for the Green Wave as they continue their 2026 campaign through a demanding non-conference schedule.
Phillips arrived in Texas carrying significant momentum, fresh off a historic international stint where he played a pivotal role in helping Bermuda advance to World Group II of the Davis Cup. That high-level experience was immediately evident as he took to the court for the opening doubles session.
The Bermudian standout partnered with Lance Nisbet to anchor the doubles charge. Facing the duo of Oskar Grzegorzewski and Ben Chetewy Ungar, the Tulane pair displayed excellent chemistry and clinical net play to secure a 6–3 victory. Their win proved decisive, providing the momentum necessary for Tulane to clinch the vital doubles point and take an early lead in the overall match score.
The spotlight remained on Phillips as the match transitioned to the singles courts. Currently ranked 1,535th in the world, the Bermudian was handed the responsibility of the number one singles spot, where he faced a formidable opponent in Grzegorzewski, the world number 1,271.
Phillips began the contest in imperious fashion, breaking serve early to take the opening set 6–3. However, the higher-ranked Grzegorzewski responded with typical resilience. The UTSA lead man dominated the second set 6–1 to level the match and force a decider.
Despite a battling effort from the Tulane sophomore, Grzegorzewski eventually pulled away in the third set, claiming a 6–2 win to secure a point for the hosts. While Phillips fell just short in the individual marathon, his contribution to the doubles point and the pressure exerted at the top of the lineup provided the foundation for Tulane to edge the overall contest.
With this victory in the bag, the Green Wave will look to build on their cohesive team performance as they prepare for the meat of their American Athletic Conference schedule.
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