Bermuda pro-tennis player James Collieson was beaten up by muggers, wrecking his chances in an English tennis tournament, The Royal Gazette has learned.

The 25-year-old was forced to pull out of the Futures Tournament in London, England after being punched and kicked just yards from his hotel in the posh borough of Hampstead.

He said: "It's ironic. I have played in south and central America where they have armed guards on the courts because they are so dangerous, but on my first day in London I get mugged in Hampstead."

He said he was walking back from the cinema when three youths approached him and demanded his wallet.

"I almost laughed at them and said `no'."

He was then punched in the face and kicked in the hip when he fell to the ground.

"I didn't think much of it, but the next day I was very stiff and went to the emergency department to get it checked out.

"I still didn't think it was serious. I won my first game and then I couldn't play any more and I had to pull out.

"It was very annoying because I had been waiting around the tennis courts all day. I am supposed to be in Holland tomorrow for another tournament but I will have to miss it.

"Right now I am waiting for the hip to heal; it's a little sore."

Mr. Collieson, who is now staying with family in Liverpool, said he will decide whether he should travel to Holland for another tournament in the next few days.

"There's another one in Mexico and I know a lot of American guys I can practice with."

"I haven't done much this summer, I am just trying to pick up a few more points."