Ricky Mallory has high expectations for Bermuda’s NatWest Island Games men’s tennis team.And for good reason.“Our local team is probably the strongest tennis team Bermuda has had together at one event,” he told The Royal Gazette.“In the past we’ve played in events where maybe one or two of the top players out of the six or six were unable to participate for one reason or another. This time we have our top five players playing in the event.“My expectations for the team will always be high. If they play how I know they can play Bermuda will win the gold.”Mallory has been appointed as captain/coach for the Games squad that includes Bermuda’s top player Gavin Manders, David Thomas, Jenson Bascome, Neal Towlson and Alex Cooper.Manders, Bascome and Cooper warmed up for the upcoming Games representing Bermuda at last month’s Davis Cup Americas Zone Group II in La Paz, Bolivia.“On top of the training for the Island Games, the Davis Cup in Bolivia was an added bonus giving the players top level match play before this event,” Mallory added. “Preparation for this event has been more than any coach could ask for.“All players have been showing up to practice on a regular basis and showing great enthusiasm in training. They have definitely put in the work.”With some overseas teams boasting players with senior world rankings and outstanding junior players, Bermuda’s men’s team will have their work cut out.Mallory, though, is confident his players will be equal to the task on court at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium and believes playing in familiar surroundings will give them an added boost.“Playing at home is definitely a plus,” he said. “To most players having their home fans behind them gives them that added boost at times when they need that little extra push.”Meanwhile, representing Bermuda’s women’s team are siblings Jackie and Tara Lambert, Caitlin Gordon, Erika Bove and Tyler Smith who are being led by captain/coach Jerome Bradshaw.Smith warmed up at last month’s ITF Junior Circuit tournament at WER Joell Stadium where she reached the quarter-finals in the Under-18 women’s singles and along with Mingxiu Du captured the doubles title.Like Mallory, Bradshaw is confident his players can achieve success.“If the players can play up to their potential then I think we have a very good chance of finishing in the medals,” he said. “But a lot will depend, of course, on who the other teams have, which we’ve yet to see.”The format for the Games tennis competition is the same as the Davis Cup and Fed Cup, with the team event being held over the first couple of days, which will see participants play two singles and a doubles knockout match.There will also be an individual competition which will see each player limited to playing two of three events (singles, doubles or mixed doubles) following the team event.Competition gets underway on Sunday.Bermuda’s tennis players have captured several medals at the previous Games, including gold and silver in the men’s doubles.