Tennis: Rob Reynolds hopes Hawke's Bay fundraisers become annual event

Hawke's Bay No 1 Rob Reynolds warms up before last night's exhibition matches at Okawa. Photo / Paul Taylor

Hawke's Bay tennis No 1 Rob Reynolds hopes his fundraising exhibition matches become an annual event.

"It was an amazing night. It was good for tennis and the Hawke's Bay community. I've had so much good feedback ... potentially it could become an annual event," Reynolds said as he reflected on last night's matches at Mark and Louise Apatu's Okawa property near Hastings which attracted a capacity crowd of 400.

While exact figures have yet to be finalised Reynolds, the New Zealand No 10, believes almost $30,000 was raised towards the launching of his professional career. He leaves for Europe on April 25 where he will play interclub for Club Zur Vahr in Bremen, Germany as well as chase tournaments in Holland, Spain and France.

Reynolds, 20, and his Havelock North clubmate and coach, former New Zealand Davis Cup rep Dan Willman, beat Kiwi No 1 Rubin Statham and Kiwi No 2 Ajeet Rai 7-6 in a one-set doubles match.

"Rubin is about to have hip surgery so he wasn't at full strength. It was a pretty relaxed match ... great fun and lots of laughs," Reynolds recalled.

Reynolds was originally scheduled to play Statham in a singles match but because of his looming surgery he took on Taranaki's Rai and lost 6-4, 6-4.

"I was really happy I nearly got the No 2," Reynolds said.

"It was the first time I had played in front of a big crowd. It was good to learn how to block out the distractions ... it was a good challenge."

Reynolds, who is hoping to crack the top 500 in the world by the end of the year, was pleased with the amount of money raised during the evening's auction.

"Some items went for close to $3000. Rubin donated a signed racket which went for $1000."

He has worked out almost $70,000 will be required if he is to attend 20-25 tournaments while based in Europe.

"What we raised last night will give me a third of a season over there. I'm hoping to secure a private sponsor to provide a bit extra," he added.