He doesn't expect to get past world-ranked players but Jenson Bascome hopes to give "a good account" of himself this weekend.

Fresh from competing in the Davis Cup's American Zone Group Four tournament, the young Bermudian is looking forward to the XL Capital Bermuda Open qualifier, starting tomorrow at Coral Beach Club.

However, he is realistic about the chances of advancing to next week's main draw ahead of more-fancied opponents, professionals at that.

"I think it's going to be a good experience to play in it. All I want to do is play well. I had a tough week last week but mentally I am a bit more relaxed and I just have to come out and give a good account of myself.

"It's my first time, there's no real pressure on me. I can go out there and just go for my shots and play my game. There are no high expectations."

The Island's number two player believes that, at his best, he can "maybe win a few games against these guys".

Since returning from Costa Rica on Tuesday night, he has been out on the clay, hitting some balls to get ready for his qualifier match. Whatever the outcome, the 23-year-old will certainly be much happier at Coral Beach than he was in South America where wind and altitude disrupted his rhythm and prevented him from producing his best tennis.

"Being at home is always nice. I know the courts. I've played up at Coral Beach before so I'm going to be pretty comfortable. I don't have to worry about the elements as much as in Costa Rica."

Despite the disappointment of not attaining Davis Cup promotion, Bascome says that campaign will certainly help his cause in the qualifier.

"I played a lot of pretty decent guys so the match play was good for me even though we didn't do that well. It will most definitely benefit me this weekend."

Apart from carrying Bermuda's slim hopes, he is relishing the opportunity to see some of the ATP Tour's Top 100 in action and observing "how the professionals do it".