mileage next year, with Bermuda set to send teams to at least three major international events.

And much more appears in store with president David Lambert indicating this to be merely "the tip of the iceberg'' as he and his management team aim to upgrade the level of tennis among the Island.

Currently two teams -- male and female -- are in training. The men are preparing for another foray into the Davis Cup, with the America Zone III tournament in El Salvador involving 11 countries beckoning next March.

To follow are the Federation Cup (for women) in Costa Rica as well as the International Tennis Federation (ITF) under 14 competition slated for Barbados later in the year where Bermuda will send three youngsters, two boys and a girl or vice versa.

Lambert lamented the need to enter such overseas events, especially those specific to the youth, who can benefit most from competing against fresh faces at varying levels.

"We have to get our top juniors out more often, it's imperative,'' said Lambert, who took over the reins from Keith Fisher in April. "The problem for Bermuda has always been that we're so far away from everybody and it's expensive to travel unlike other countries like the States, where you can just hop on a bus or car and drive to wherever an event is taking place or in the Islands which are close together.

"That's one of the dilemmas, and it doesn't just affect tennis, but the whole face of Bermuda sports.

"I don't know about the others but we'll be travelling, because I personally feel that if we're going to build the level of play to the highest it can be we have to travel.'' Lambert added that such expeditions would instill national pride among those involved as well as broadening their horizons.

There was also the possibility of youngsters getting spotted by foreign talent scouts, which could lead to scholarships and the like.

Top juniors such as Danielle Paynter and Jensen Bascome were mentioned as potential beneficiaries from such forays.

"We're looking to provide exposure and giving sportsmen the ultimate opportunity which is to represent one's country, which to me is the ultimate reward after you've conquered everything locally and in need of fresh challenges,'' added Lambert.

Local tennis indeed appears to reaping the fruit of their alliance with the ITF -- Bermuda were granted full membership last year -- as the ITF supplies funding for participation in such events as the Davis Cup, Federation Cup and ITF under 14 tournaments.

Nevertheless, Lambert's focus is wide ranging as he is determined to take the sport to the mass.

"We're trying to bring tennis to everybody on this Island,'' said Lambert before jetting off the Coral Beach to watch Michael Way play against Wilfred Gonsalves. "I want a tennis racquet in everybody's home and I'm serious about that.

"It's a game you can play and enjoy forever.'' DAVID LAMBERT