American John Isner is the first pro to confirm he will be playing in this year's XL Bermuda Open Tennis Championships at Coral Beach.

The XL Open is being staged from April 21-27 and will be celebrating its 15th anniversary.

Tournament director Alec Anderson said: "I'm sure you've heard about John's amazing run last summer in the Washington DC ATP event where he defeated the likes of Henman, Haas, Monfils to reach the final before losing 6-4 7-6 to world # 6 Andy Roddick. John advanced to the third round at the US Open before losing to world # 1 Federer. He had a consistent fall on the Challenger Circuit where he reached a final and two semifinals. Overall, John raised his world ranking nearly 600 spots in 2007 and we are very excited that he will be coming to the island.

Anderson said that the names of more players coming to Bermuda will be known soon. "We are presently in discussions with many players, he said adding that the Legends exhibition matches will also be played again. "At present we are expecting Johan Kriek, Mikael Pernfors and Roy Emerson", he said.

Over the years the XL Open has hosted players who now are at the top of the rankings.

Anderson said the tournament has become one of the most popular sporting events in Bermuda. "The 2007 event showcased all the excitement that local tennis players and fans have come to recognise as synonymous with what is now called the 'jump-start to the clay court season'. Many players who have played in Bermuda have considered this event their lucky charm as they have often found Bermuda to be a spring-board to their next step on the Tour, and after the XL, are often found competing in the major tournaments like Wimbledon and the French Open."

Among some of those names who have used the XL Open as their springboard are current top ten ranked players James Blake, Andy Roddick and David Nalbandian.

XL Capital Ltd President, CEO and Acting Chairman Brian M. O'Hara said: "The fact that the XL Open is celebrating its 15-year anniversary is a testament to the principal organisers' ¿ Alec and Maribeth Anderson ¿ dedication and hard work. It also speaks to the level of support from sponsors and Coral Beach in making each year a success."

Advanced tickets for the tournament are available now online at www.xlcapitalbermudaopen.bm