For James Collieson, the XL Open isn't just about games of singles in search of a berth in the main draw ? it is all about furthering his career.

Collieson, back from a gruelling week of Davis Cup action in Costa Rica where he recorded just one victory, will play in the first round of qualifying today in the Challenger tournament and admits his chances of progressing are small.

But Collieson will be around Coral Beach all week, offering himself as a practice partner to the various international pros, and not just during their time in Bermuda.

"I love XL Open week," said Collieson, just before taking to the court for a hit with tournament director Alec Anderson.

"It is great for Bermuda to be exposed to this level of tennis and it is always a lot of fun.

"I am looking forward to my qualifying game and, depending on what sort of player I come up against, there is always a chance I can get through.

"It is a big ask though, as I am a borderline amateur and, of course, all these guys are pros. But for me, the week is also about other things, like contacts.

"It is a great week because there are a lot of guys around and a lot of them I have become friends with from their previous visits here.

"There is always a chance that maybe one of them will need a hitting partner or something like that and maybe I can commit to full-time tennis in that way."

The 26-year-old is still hopeful that tennis can be his living, even if he can't make it as a professional tournament player in his own right.

"I always make sure I am fit and ready just in case something comes up," he continued.

"If it is going to happen for me, it is more than likely going to be something that comes out of the XL Open because all the right people are around ? it is a real contact week for me."

And it terms of his prospects for today, Collieson admits the hard week of high altitude tennis in Costa Rica, where Bermuda finished fifth courtesy of a final day victory over Eastern Caribbean, has taken its toll.

"I thought I would feel fresh coming back from high altitude but that is not what has happened," he added.

"I am feeling pretty worn out and that is going to make it tough here. Because of the speed of the courts, it is going to be really physical out there ? which is why the South Americans always do so well."