YOUR GUIDE TO THE TENNIS
Tourney will serve up big names, great food and even poolside fun
Some of world tennis’ biggest names will be in action on the ASB Tennis Arena’s courts over the next two weeks.
Qualifying matches start today, with the women’s ASB Classic running through to finals day on Sunday, January 6. The men’s tournament is scheduled to run from Monday, January 7, to Saturday, January 12.
The tournament is big business for the City of Sails, with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development revealing the 2018 event attracted 4830 visitors, and generated 13,220 visitor nights with a total tourism spend of $2 million.
Who to watch
There’s no lack of star power in the women’s field for the ASB Classic.
Danish ace Caroline Wozniacki — a regular visitor to the event — is the top seed, with the world No 3 topping a field which also includes Julia Goerges, Su-Wei Hsieh, Petra Martic, Venus Williams, Barbora Strycova, Eugenie Bouchard and Bethanie Mattek-Sands.
Williams — who has now slipped outside the world’s top 30 — is seeking to start 2019 on a high before heading to the Australian Open where she will seek a 15th Grand Slam title.
“I think this is the deepest and most exciting field we have put together,” tournament director Karl Budge said.
“There are genuine global superstars, players we know incredibly well here in Auckland and some new faces that are looking to make their mark.”
The women’s draw secured another drawcard when rising 17-yearold Amanda Anisimova was given a wild card.
Big guns in the men’s field include John Isner, Gael Monfils, Tomas Berdych, Denis Shapovalov and Fabio Fognini. A recent addition to the men’s line-up was former champion David Ferrer.
The three-time Davis Cup champion, and four-time former ASB Classic winner will retire from the game at the end of 2019.
The depth of the men’s field is evident in the qualifying tournament — which begins next Saturday — for the four remaining spots in the main draw.
World No 59 Peter Gojowczyk is the top seed in the qualifying event; one of 10 top 100 players seeking the last four places.
Tucking in court-side
While regular sporting event snacks will be on offer, tennis fans will also be able to munch away on some great Kiwi tastes.
Top Kiwi chef Josh Emett will bring his Malaysian-inspired street food with Hawker & Roll.
Fish & Frozn will be serving up seafood with delectable tasting platters, which feature Big Glory Bay salmon.
The Bach will have cold items including sushi and baguettes, and hot steamed pork buns. Ka¯piti will have two pop-up icecream stores at the Stanley St complex.
Entertainment
The Mot & Chandon Racquet Club features an upper dining and bar level set under al fresco pergolas and a lower-level pool area in the tournament’s entertainment precinct.
“The space is bigger than ever before and introduces the ASB Classic’s first ever luxurious poolside area, set to be a fan favourite,” said Ali Campbell, senior brand manager of Mot & Chandon.
There will also be a pool party on January 11 and packages for poolside cabanas. A special menu in the VIP area will be prepared by chef Martin Bosley.
Other places for refreshments will include the Heineken Bar, Babich Wine Bar, Pace Cocktail, and the Classic Club.
Live acts during the two-week tennis festival include Troy Kingi, Kokomo, David Shanuhun and the Any Cochrane Duo.
Tennis etiquette
Don’t talk or make noise between points. Don’t stand up until the end of a point.
Don’t heckle or boo.
Turn your phone off or to silent. Don’t use the flash on your camera or phone when taking photos. Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. Do dress up (if you want to).
Weather
The outlook is promising, with fine weather forecast for most of next week. Some showers could occur on Wednesday.
Tickets
Tickets are still available for most days of the ASB Classic, including grand entry passes for $15 a day.
Tournament officials have issued a warning to would-be event goers to only buy tickets from official supplier Ticketek, with a message on the ASB Classic website stating: “Do not purchase tickets from unauthorised resellers including Viagogo as we cannot guarantee their authenticity.” For more information visit: https://www.asbclassic.co.nz/