to play against Italy in Davis Cup action last month, scratched at least temporarily when Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi joined forces to play singles against Italy.

Martin was in the US line-up for two matches against France in February, losing to Cedric Pioline 5-7, 2-6, 4-6 and defeating Guy Forget 6-3, 7-6, 7-6.

Asked how he felt about being taken off the squad Martin patiently responded: "Once you're a member of the squad, well, you're a member of the squad.

You're not taken off.

"I was disappointed, but at the same time I was very pleased to see that Andre and Pete decided to play. I've always said that it's very important that we send our best teams everywhere and if that means that I get to go when we are playing some bums then that's fine. And I'll leap at the chance, but I can't get too disappointed about it especially since I've already played my match. And with Pete and Andre playing I could have a little replica of the Davis Cup in my house pretty soon. That's exciting.'' MARTIN, however, may compete in at least doubles when the US face Sweden in the Davis Cup semi-finals in September.

"I think there's always the opportunity that coach (Tom) Gullickson would want to take three or four singles players and try to find a combo there and I don't think it would ever happen, but if we played on grass I'd have a chance to play and even a better chance to play doubles on grass. I'm just there if they need me and rooting hard if they don't.'' CANADIAN doubles ace Grant Connell and Martin will team up for doubles for the first time ever at the Open and both are good friends. "Even though he's a Canadian,'' said Martin, smiling.

Fans watching qualifying at Coral Beach at the weekend were a little surprised that Connell was attempting to qualify for the main singles draw. Although ranked at 336, Connell enjoys the opportunity to play singles for a variety of reasons.

"I always play qualifying in singles when I get the opportunity,'' he said.

"This year the doubles have gone really well for me so the last singles qualifying I played was last December.

"But I like to play singles to keep my fitness level higher and it's really good for my doubles to do all kinds of different shots. In doubles you tend to get in the same routine over and over again and you don't use all the different shots.'' Connell's qualifying odyssey was halted on Sunday by Wade McGuire in straight sets. Prior to that he was a winner over Christian Miniussi of the Czech Republic and Milan Palme of Germany.

"I don't have the same pressure as some of the guys in qualifying because I know it's just a bonus for me, really, and it's great match practice. I'm really here for the doubles and the Bermuda way of life.'' AUSTRIA'S Alex Antonitsch is one of those players who did feel the pressure of qualifying, losing his bid 6-1, 6-4 against upstart Marcio Carlsson of Brazil in the final round. The victory enabled Carlsson to qualify for his first ATP Tour event ever.

Antonitsch, playing doubles in the Open with Germany's Martin Sinner , said: "Somehow I took a longer break than I usually do last year but I'm happy to be back and playing tennis. I played qualifying and lost three times (now four) in the last round, winning only once in St. Petersburg.'' Antonitsch defeated Bermuda's Michael Way on Saturday morning in straight sets and has been on the Island since last Tuesday.

"It's hard to concentrate on tennis with these beautiful surroundings.''