Tennis: Keeping cool on Day One

Spectators relax on the first day of play at the ASB Classic. Photo / Nick Reed

Panama hats and jugs full of drinking water and peanut butter ice cream were the hits of the day for the first round of top women's tennis tournament the ASB Classic in Auckland.

Although the big names like Caroline Wozniacki and Venus Williams were rested for today's second round, several hundred spectators came to soak up the sun and festival atmosphere and put their weight behind the underdogs.

They cheered on 18-year-old American Taylor Townsend to an upset victory over former tournament champion Yanina Wickmayer, of Belgium, setting the stage for drama later when Townsend, ranked 103 in the world, may play Wozniacki, the No 1 seed, of Denmark.

In the corporate boxes, the ice buckets of bubbly and beer were on the tables but many guests were sipping water in order to stay alert for the on court action.

In centre court of the ASB Tennis Centre, a fan with the biggest grin was Andy Ham, of Auckland.

"I bought tickets for the box at an auction to raise funds for Starship Children's Hospital and I invited my mum Veronica over from Ireland, my wife Carrie, and a load of friends to watch the tennis.

"So, it's lovely to be here and it's also great charity to support.

"The event is getting better and better each year and the food is especially fantastic and it's lovely to be here and seeing Auckland shining in the light that it should be."

Another group of friends watched the action on a big screen from the comfortable chairs of the Fans Zone lounge.

Anna Holmes said she played tennis for 15 years but had seen only a few games in Auckland.

This year, she hoped to to make it to several of the days and see the No 1 seed Caroline Wozniacki playing.

Sitting next to her was Brad Bateman, who said: "This is different from other sports you watch. This is really relaxed and chilled out and decent quality food and you can drink beer out of a glass bottle and be treated like an adult."

Rotorua visitor Crispian Stewart was also complimentary about the event.

He was in the Fan Zone drinking ice blocks with his daughters Lexie, 12, and Sadie, 7.

"It's the third year I have been and it's a nice casual event that's low-key and relaxing.

"I enjoy how close and touchable the superstars are and bring my girls here so they can see them and be inspired."