Junior netter Francis Casey Alcantara, the Philippines’ first grand slam champion, is already out of contention for The Junior Championships, Wimbledon 2009.

Alcantara crashed out of the first round of the singles and doubles draws in his Wimbledon debut.

He lost to Austrian Maximilian Neuchrist of Austria, 2-6, 6-4, 3-6, at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London.

Fans of Alcantara left messages for the 17-year-old player on Wimbledon.org following his singles defeat. A total of 26 comments were posted.

“I saw the match he was so lucky in that last game where he hit that backhand down the line and it hit the tape of the net,” a certain Pinoy fan from the Philippines posted. “That changed the whole match! Next time francis. u played well.”

“Sorry about the loss. I saw your recent single results, you seem to lose at lot of close matches lately. You are a very talented player more talented that some of the players that actually beat you, it just a question of confidence,” said Jeff F from the US.

“You must find it within yourself to win convince yourself you really want this… Tennis is not just about natural talent, physical conditioning, strategy and heart is more important,” continued Jeff F’s comment.

Nene from the Philippines wrote, “Good luck in dubs (doubles) Francis! Tough luck in singles but we're still proud of u!”

“You made it in Australia. You can make it in Wimbledon,” said Filipino ral h, pertaining to Alcantara’s victory at the 2009 Australian Open Junior Boys’ Championship with Hsieh Cheng-Peng of Chinese Taipei.

However, Alcantara and his partner, South African Nikala Scholtz, were beaten by Americans Evan King and Denis Kudla in the opening round, 6-4, 6-4. The American pair is seeded fourth.

Even before Alcantara’s doubles match, some Filipino fans already congratulated the teen netter for being in Wimbledon for the first time.

Kim M from the Philippines said, “What's very important is having a Filipino representative in Wimbledon!! We're proud of you Francis!! I'm sure this will be the start of bigger and better Filipino tennis players!!”

“Being included in the main draw is good enough,” said Celes, also from the Philippines. “Entering this prestigious tournament is already an achievement,” echoed Filipino Rey M.