Melbourne, Australia, 21 January 2013 | AAP

A heartfelt text from big brother Bernard wasn’t enough to help Sara Tomic upset German fourth seed Antonia Lottner in the second round of the Australian Open junior girls tournament.

Wildcard Tomic tested Lottner, who was a semifinalist at both the French Open and US Open juniors last year, before succumbing 6-1 2-6 6-3.

The 14-year-old sister of Australia’s top men’s player said she was happy to take a set off her 16-year-old big-serving rival.

“I’m proud of the way I played,” said Sara.

“I had some chances in the first set that I didn’t take and the same in the third but overall I feel like I’m progressing really well the last couple of months and that’s the main thing for me.”

Former Australian Open junior champion Bernard, who was eliminated by Grand Slam guru Roger Federer last week, flew out of Melbourne and missed Sara’s match.

But he sent her a text to inspire her for the challenge.

‘He said ‘Work hard, focus on what you need to do and you can do anything’.

“I had tears in my eyes with him saying that.”

She said she intended to seek him out for some tips on improving her court movement – something notably better in his recent game.

Despite bowing out early, Sara, who is also intent on being the world No.1, said the Tomics rated the Open as a success.

“My mum is so proud of my brother and me.

“We’re working so much harder and we’re improving a lot.”

All three other Australians in junior singles action on Monday also lost – but wildcard Oliver Anderson put up a mighty fight against top seed Nikola Milojevic.

The 14-year-old almost produced a major boilover before the Serb prevailed 6-2 1-6 8-6.

Marc Polmans lost to Croatian 11th seed Borna Coric 6-1 6-1 and another wildcard Akira Santillan fell 6-0 6-2 to Japan’s 14th seed Yoshihito Nishioka.