Tennis: Auckland aims to lure Agassi to 50th Open

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Auckland tennis chiefs are determined to lure a big-name player to the city this summer.

Keen to celebrate their 50th tournament in style, Auckland Tennis chief executive Graham Pearce will head to next month's US Open with a heady wish list for January's Heineken Open.

He has already spoken to Andre Agassi's agents and while much will depend on the former world No 1's schedule, Pearce has not given up hope.

"It depends on how serious he is going to take next year," Pearce said. "If he thinks he has another shot at winning the Australian Open, we are unlikely to see him here as he sticks to a pretty rigid cycle."

Pearce has again crossed out the top Australians who commit to lead-up tournaments across the Tasman, but apart from other big names, including Andy Roddick, he is not ruling anyone out.

"Tim Henman won't be here. Like Agassi he sticks to a pretty set schedule."

But two-time Wimbledon champion and world No 1 Roger Federer might not be a forlorn hope. He has already played in Auckland - meeting another of the world's best, Juan Carlos Ferrero, here.

Pearce has his sights set on other top players, including world No 3 Guillermo Coria who was top seed last summer. He will also chase Carlos Moya and Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan, who has yet to play at the ASB Bank Tennis Centre.

Regulars, including defending champion Dominik Hrbaty, Sjeng Schalken and Gustavo Kuerten, are also likely targets.

"We are also keen to go down the list a bit and look at players who haven't been here before," said Pearce who is on the ATP board of directors but cannot expect any help from them in recruiting players.

"They are not in the business of directing players to tournaments."

Away from the court, the week-long tournament promises to be a celebration befitting one of the older tournaments on the ATP circuit.

There have already been moves to invite the winner of the first tournament - played in 1955-56 - 71-year-old American Bob Perry.

"We want to involve as many of the past winners as we can," Pearce said. "We have been contacting the New Zealanders who have been part of the tournament.

"We have been given plenty of help as we attempt to contact former winners such as Rod Laver, Roy Emmerson, Fred Stolle, Tony Roche and even Bjorn Borg."

The off-court focal point will be a commemorative dinner on the Friday before the January 15 final.

The early tournaments were combined, with men and women playing.

The women, who will celebrate their 20th standalone tournament at this summer's ASB Classic, could have their role recognised with a special 25th anniversary championship.

The first woman to win in Auckland will, if possible, be included in the celebrations.

"We are looking for the right person as guest speaker and hope to have a high profile New Zealander as master of ceremonies," Pearce said.

In preparation for the tournament and continuing their upgrade at their headquarters, Auckland Tennis have spent $250,000 on resurfacing the back courts, upgrading floodlights, sealing pathways and upgrading the dome which was damaged in last summer's fire.

They will offer the highest prizemoney ever at this year's January 10-15 Heineken Open, with a US$400,000 ($608,000) commitment.

The January 3-8 women's ASB Classic, which remains a tier-four tournament, will again offer US$140,000.