James Ward insists he deserves his Wimbledon wildcard and says he will use the money earned to fund his rise up the rankings.
The 22-year-old makes his SW19 debut today against No7 seed Fernando Verdasco as a heavy underdog.
Ward, currently ranked at No 223 in the world, will pocket £10,750 even if he loses on Court One this afternoon and he said: "This will be my biggest payday but I can't spend it. It's going towards funding the rest of my year travelling. I need to use it wisely.
"I've been working to get my ranking up to get a wild card. I have earned it and I'm going to try to enjoy it."
Other Brits in action today are Josh Goodall, ranked 201 in the world, who faces Michael Llodra of France on Court Two.
Goodall, who was beaten by Ivan Ljubicic in the AEGON International second round at Eastbourne, said: "I've played a lot of good players and I'm not getting thrashed. I'm only losing by one break so with better concentration and shot selection I'm sure I can shoot up the rankings."
In the women's draw, another wildcard recipient Georgie Stoop faces a tough task against No7 seed Vera Zvonereva, of Russia.
