the chance to play is another question entirely.

The Australian superstar, who has a home on the Island, was scheduled to play in a Masters Series tournament in Monte Carlo. That event clashed with the XL Capital-sponsored event here, but injury put paid to Rafter making the trip to Europe.

If healthy, he would have been obliged to play in Monte Carlo but he pulled out on Wednesday citing a problem with his elbow.

There has been speculation in some quarters that Rafter might well play an exhibition match at Coral Beach. But as of last night no definite answer could be gleaned from tournament organisers.

A spokeswoman said: "He (Rafter) is not allowed to play. Top 50 players have to go to the event in Monte Carlo. He has decided not to play this week but he will be here on holiday. He will be on the site, he may be practising, but he is not allowed to play.'' Asked if he could take part in an exhibition match, the spokeswoman said she could not say.

"I'm not 100 percent sure if he is allowed to do that either. We have to get special permission from the ATP tour and I don't know if that has been requested or granted yet,'' she said.

Swede Magnus Larsson was added to the Open field earlier in the week, but hopes that American Vince Spadea might also play have been dashed by injury.