Venus Williams will take the court today in Auckland - but her countrywomen have already set the standard at the tournament.

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.

The upsets at the ASB Classic continued on centre court this afternoon with second seed Sara Errani crashing out in a straight sets defeat.

The opening day of the ASB Classic has seen a significant upset, with former Champion Yanina Wickmayer dumped out of the tournament in the first round.

Sara Errani, the ASB Classic second seed and world No14, is looking to put the disappointment of an injury-affected end to 2014 behind her at the season-opening WTA tournament in Auckland.

Since it began in Auckland in 1986 the ASB Classic tennis tournament has grown to become one of the most popular and anticipated events in the city for the summer.

Wherever she goes, Venus Williams makes an impact. She draws attention and leaves special memories but yesterday, in a picturesque corner of Auckland, there was a kind of role reversal.

Seven-time grand slam winner Venus Williams, ranked World No18, enjoyed a powhiri and a glimpse of Maori culture through hongi, waiata and speeches.

It's not often Venus Williams is lost for words but she looked close to it today as she experienced a slice of Maori culture in Auckland.

Venus Williams, back for another crack at New Zealand's women's tennis prize, says she intends to do "a whole lot better" at next week's ASB Classic tournament.

He was 30-love up in the final game. The winner was taking all. The court was of the public variety, and the net sagged in the middle, blown about through spring by the winds that whipped off the grey waters of Caroline Bay.

The Heineken Open is famous for punching above its weight - but next month, the tournament will move into heavyweight territory.

With the full field virtually sealed ahead of January's tournament, the ASB Classic continues to hold its own against more affluent opposition.

So faultlessly has Mirka Federer conducted herself in the five years she has been married to the sainted Roger that her alleged fall from grace at the weekend has sent shock waves through the sporting world.