The No. 1 open men's seed is taking to the Warrnambool Lawn Tennis courts for the first time , playing against unfamiliar opponents.

However, the 24-year-old has set himself the ultimate challenge in this weekend's Labour Day Open.

"This is my first time in Warrnambool and I don't know many of the guys who I'll be up against," he said.

"(But) I'm the No. 1 seed going into the tournament, so I'm just hoping to live up to my seed.

"I guess I will just have to wait and see."

Letcher has added incentive to claim the $1 000 major prize.

His late father, Cliff, won the tournament in 1971 and 1980.

Letcher is one of 746 players in town for the three-day competition which is believed to be in its 60th year.

A massive 1028 matches have been scheduled, weather permitting.

Letcher, who is ranked number 1144 in the world, said while he preferred clay, the grass surface wouldn't hinder his game.

"I play an all-court came. I start with my serve and go from there," he said.

"I've been travelling around and playing on a weekly basis and I'm hoping to go overseas in the middle of the year, so this is preparation for that."

No. 2 seed Matt Hicks is the biggest chance to push Letcher off the podium.

Letcher admitted he would have to be in form if he was to face the Geelong tennis ace. "My biggest weakness would be my consistency," he said.

"I seem to be finding it hard to keep the ball in play. At this stage, Matt Hicks is my biggest threat."

Letcher has been training hard for a week in Melbourne in the lead-up to the tournament.

However, his career goals are far beyond Warrnambool's grass courts.

"I've played a couple of professional tournament s this year and managed to get an ATP World Tour point, which was good," he said.

"So I'm just looking to get a higher ranking now."

Letcher is also the No. 1 seed in the men's doubles with partner Ben O'Brien. Geelong's Olivia Rich is the top open women's seed, followed by Middle Park's Bianca Horsley.

Local hope Matt Moloney is seeded second in doubles with Bryce Durham.

Moloney is also expected to make the open men's singles finals.

First serve is at 8.30am today.