Just jump on the tennis bandwagon, and hurtle towards undreamed of fortune and fame.

And, of course, there will be girls, girls, and more girls. Move over Mick Jagger! Well, that's the impression, isn't it? But before trying to clamber aboard, it would be wise to heed the words of David Witt.

David who? Tennis trivia buffs might know him. But for the rest, David Witt is the world's 166th ranked player.

And for aspiring tennis stars seduced by a glamourous image Witt has three words.

"Don't do it!'' The gangly six-foot, three-inch American has been plying his bludgeoning craft at the XL Tennis Classic at Coral Beach.

And although just 20, he is already a two-year veteran on the tennis tour helter skelter.

His experience provides an insight into just what it takes to follow the money-laden path of '70s golden boy Bjorn Borg, and Brat Pack members John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors.

A film on his life to date would be far removed from sex and drugs, and rock and roll.

It could well be titled "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Tennis Player.'' A jet-set life, it may be.

But most of it is spent in hotel rooms -- even if they are in some of the world's most exotic haunts, like Bermuda.

Is this the life a 20-year-old should lead? This week Witt spoke to The Royal Gazette moments after his second-round defeat at the hands of little-known Frenchman Gerard Solves.

It was immediately clear sheer guts, bloody-mindedness, and a healthy dollop of John Wayne-style true grit are key ingredients to survival on the tour.

Some talent helps, of course.

Witt has been working at his talent since the age of seven, moving through the ranks of the juniors.

As a starry-eyed youngster, he was dazzled by the bewildering skills of Borg and McEnroe.

His true hero, however, was Czech-turned-American Ivan Lendl, another former number one.

"I always admired how hard he worked. He keeps himself extremely fit,'' said Witt.

"He never gave up, and always kept working at his game.'' Such an idol perhaps augured well for the young Witt. The qualities of Lendl are all about determination.

Inevitably, Witt faced the big question which has had thousands of teenagers racking their brains: college or tennis? "It was a very, very difficult decision. I thought I couldn't go to college and still become a professional player.'' But what about all those college bashes? Wasn't a whirlwind tour of parties more tempting than the slog of a tennis tour? "Yes, that was one of the things that did go through my mind. I knew I would have a better social life at college.

"There would be more partying there. But I had to make a commitment to tennis.'' The decision made, the North Carolina-born 18-year-old threw himself into his bid for glory.

Thirty-five weeks a year are spent on tour.

And, when not playing tournaments, he is practising five or six hours a day.

One of those who keeps an eagle eye on him is accomplished tennis pro Tom Gullikson.

He has also worked with former Wimbledon champ Stan Smith.

"When you spend so long on tour, obviously a lot of time is spent in hotel rooms,'' said Witt.

"You get to travel all over the world. After Bermuda I will be going to Australia. I may also go to Haiti first.'' He added: "I do get some time off, and I do socialise a bit among other tennis players.

"But there is no doubt you have to make a sacrifice.'' But does his bank balance swell enough to compensate? Witt is bashful on the point. Although he admits he is hardly out of pocket.

Money, after all, is more than a perk to go with the job.

As to the future? Apart from reaching the top 10, Witt's ambitions are down-to-earth.

"I just want to get married and lead a normal life.'' DOWN AND OUT -- David Witt is seen with an ice-pack on his right knee following his second-round defeat at the hands of Frenchman Gerard Solves in the XL Tennis Classic at Coral Beach Club this week.