Tennis: ASB Classic players take delays in their stride

Wet centre court during the ASB Classic WTA Women's Tournament Day 4 Quarter Finals. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

Two days without play has proved frustrating for fans and organisers at the ASB Classic, but the players have taken it in their stride.

With no matches able to be played on Thursday and Friday, a busy schedule looms for the eight players remaining in the singles draw.

However, while the weather delays are a unique experience for the Auckland tournament, for players who play over 25 tournaments a year, it is a regular occurrence – which rarely ends up significantly altering their chances of success.

1,057 tournaments have been successfully completed on the WTA Tour since the last one which was abandoned without a winner – the 2000 State Farm Classic.

As a result, the remaining players have taken a relaxed attitude, with second seed Julia Goerges monitoring the conditions but being unflustered by the delays.

"I have about 10 different weather apps on my phone, I don't know if they are all reliable," she joked.

"I can pass my time pretty nicely – I can relax, I can chill, and maybe if they get up in Germany I'll talk to my parents and friends. Even if you see the weather's really bad you can sit in the hotel and get away a bit."

Goerges has seen it all in her 13-year career, and is set to end her two-day wait today when she plays her quarter-final against world number 100 Polona Hercog.

"I think I'm used to all the different weather conditions we've had in the previous years, especially last year where I played two matches in one day. I really don't care – I have a great team around me which is helping me to be prepared as best as I can."

Goerges may have to play twice today, and while it can be taxing – especially if games go three sets – the world number 14 says it's no issue.

"It's fine for me – I've played a lot of doubles in the past as well so I've had to double up a lot on days. If it comes out two wins I think I can be happy, if not, I can be happy too."

Tournament director Karl Budge says that all the players have been fantastic in dealing with the delays.

"They've been tremendous when you think they had to get here at 7.00am – and at 6.00pm they were still sitting downstairs. They're in great spirits."

If Goerges gets through her quarter-final, she would play either third seed Barbora Strycova or Su-Wei Hsieh in the semifinal.

The other big names set to return to the court today are top seed Caroline Wozniacki, who plays American wildcard Sofia Kenin, and fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who will take on Sachia Vickery.