Andy Bray's main aim when he takes part in qualifying for next week's XL Open is to avoid embarrassment.

Bermuda's top tennis player will go into Saturday's qualifying rounds hoping to give a good account of himself against some of the best players in the world.

And if he can win a couple of games along the way, then Bray will consider it time well spent.

With the new season just around the corner, the qualifying rounds represent the perfect opportunity to prepare for the season ahead. "It's nice to play in the tournament," said Bray.

"I suppose I'm going to use it to test myself against the top players, and to build up to the new season in Bermuda," he said

"These players are a lot better than the players in Bermuda, and they're aren't many better in the world.

"It's great to be able to test yourself against these players, and prove that you can still hit the ball.

"I suppose I'm jumping in at the deep end for the new season, but it's a nice way to start the year."

Bray has had a respectable record in previous years, but knows that a tough draw could mean his event is over before it begins.

"I won a match two years ago, but it all depends on the draw you get," he said.

"With a decent draw it could be a pretty good event, but a tough draw and it could all be over before it has started."

"First thing I want to do is get a game.

But it can be very tough against these guys, if you get someone like Gaston Gaudio, or Robby Ginepri, which I won't because they won't have to qualify, then they can blow you off the court in 40 minutes, if you're lucky.

"I'm not setting my expectations too high, I just don't want to be embarrassed, but if I get a couple of first serves in I think I'll be ok."

The XL Open is considered to be the next event on the Challenger Tour, but even so, attracting the likes Gaudio and Ginepri is a big coup

"It's great for the tournament and the Island that these guys are taking part, because I'm sure that they could be playing in Monte Carlo instead," said Bray. "It's not so great for me, well it is, because I would love a chance to play against them."

The XL Open has grown in stature every year since its inception in 1993, and this year's field again has some of the best clay court players in the world in attendance.

Ginepri and Gaudio, the 2004 French Open winner, are just two on a list that includes the likes of former champion Fernando Vicente, and the rising young star Donald Young.

Vicente and Young's battle, should they meet, would be particularly interesting given that Young has just beaten his more experienced rival at the ATP tournament in Spain this week.