EXISTING on dreams of rubbing shoulders with Roger Federer and Andre Agassi - Bolton's own Simon Roberts is working hard to make his way up the tennis ladder.

The 22-year-old, from Bromley Cross, has been on the arduous LTA satellite tour for three years, earning points which could one day see him compete in the prestigious tournaments alongside the greats of the game.

And on Tuesday, the former Cannon Slade pupil won in front of a hometown crowd as he competed against German qualifier Sacha Kloer in the first round of a $15,000 tournament at the Bolton Arena.

Roberts won 6-7 (7-2), 6-3, 7-5.

Sitting amongst a sea of aspiring professionals from all four corners of the globe, Roberts said he was keen to impress when he competed as a wildcard in the first round proper on Tuesday.

He said: "There is a bit of extra pressure playing in my home town, but I'll be OK, depending on the draw.

"Sometimes you get the top seed in the first round, sometimes you get a qualifier. I just hope I don't get drawn on a court next to some of the Russian girls - I might get distracted!"

After turning professional in 2002, Roberts earned his biggest career victory just last month when he rose 300 places in the world rankings by defeating British tennis journeyman Martin Lee.

A few victories at the Arena could see Roberts improve on his 885th position on the world's tennis ladder. An achievement, considering former world number one Marcelo Rios is only 34 places above him and Olympic bronze medalist Leander Daes is 20-plus places behind.

"I want to break into the top 500, and get on to the main stage," said Roberts. "That's where I want to be.

"At the end of the week I want another point for my ranking and pick up another couple of wins, that would be great."

Life on the tour is tough going, admitted Roberts, who spends any prize monies accrued on travelling round the UK and Europe to his next competition.

Still seeking sponsors, he earns a crust by helping younger players at the Arena, and will jet out to Greece next week for his first international tournament.

Replacing racquets is another expense. Roberts regularly finds himself forking out for new equipment because of his all action style.

Rather than emulate starch-collared British tennis hero Tim Henman - Roberts has modelled his game on American Michael Chang, who thrilled audiences in the early 90s with his acrobatic displays.

"I play differently to the other guys," he explained. "A lot of them have big serve, but I basically run around a lot."