Martin Lee faces Spain's Francisco Clavet in the first round of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Monday believing he can crack the world top 100 for the first time.

Lee makes his main draw debut at the year's first Grand Slam as of right with his ranking standing at a best ever 103.

And the 23-year-old British No.3 from Worthing is convinced victory could see him reach the watershed.

He said: "It would be a major stepping stone. When you are growing up your first major aim is to be a top 100 player. It is the benchmark of being a very good tennis player.

"And the one win might just do it for me and I think I will get it.

"The way I am playing I feel anything is possible. My confidence is good.

"I now I feel I belong in this company. I'm not relying on wild cards or anything else. I'd rather play in qualifying events and take my chances than take a wild card.

"It has helped me enormously to know I've done it all off my own back. I've earned the right to be where I am."

Lee has enlisted the help of British No.1 Tim Henman for his Open preparations.

He added: "I have practised with Tim to make sure I'm ready. I've left nothing to chance and had sessions with trainer Jez Green, who helps out the British boys. I want to be in the best shape."

Lee believes he has carried his consistent form from last year when he reached his first ATP Tour final in Rhode Island, USA, into 2002.

He took Olivier Rochus to three sets in Chenai, India, before beating the Belgian's brother Christophe in the second round of Sydney Open qualifiers this week.

"I thought I played reasonably well. The Rochus brothers are top 70 and the Sydney qualifiers included the likes of Wayne Ferreira. I'm up against tough opponents but I'm holding my own.

I'm feeling good and ready to go for it at the Open."

Lee has already targetted his next goal once he gets his ranking down to two figures.

He said: "It's been a long, hard process, with injury problems on the way, but I am getting better.

It hasn't finished yet. I want more. Once you have a taste of success you want to taste it again. I want to get inside the top 50."