Tennis: Powhiri scores ace with superstar

Pakeke Davis and guest of honour Venus Williams hongi after the powhiri at Orakei Marae yesterday. Photo / Dean Purcell

Wherever she goes in the world, 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.

As she experienced a powhiri at Orakei Marae and then gained a glimpse of Maori culture through hongi, waiata and speeches, the impact was on Williams.

The 34-year-old is a global sporting superstar - even just mention of her first name will garner recognition from Rio to Riga. She's achieved almost everything in tennis and has circled the globe doing so, winning seven grand slams among 45 career singles titles.

But yesterday she sounded humbled as she spoke of a void in her life.

"Culture is very important [to me]," Williams said. "My family is huge to me but, at the same time, I'm not sure exactly where my roots are because of the history of African Americans in America. It's something I would love to know - where I am from - but at the end of the day, it's wonderful to see people celebrate their culture."

Williams was enthralled by the ceremony and inside the marae spoke candidly about her family background, drawing smiles as she explained she was an "older sister to one [Serena] and a younger sister to three".

She faced the haka, took part in a sing-along - although turned down a chance to make a request ("I'd prefer you to pick") - took in the ornate meeting house and gathered in a circle for a prayer.

"It wasn't like anything I have ever seen before and I have been around the world and seen a lot," said Williams. "I wasn't sure what to expect but it was so welcoming and so peaceful. I felt like I was really welcome and like a member of the family so, if they'll have me, I'll come back."

Williams also exchanged hongi with about 15 members of the tribe and guests.

"I was told to follow directions," laughed Williams, when asked about the hongi. "You don't want to come here and be disrespectful or look a little foolish because you are not listening. I feel so honoured. I think I followed the directions ... I'm not sure. I hope so."

Williams also shot a promotional video for sponsors ASB alongside Svetlana Kuznetsova but today will click fully into tennis mode.

Despite injuries and living with an auto immune disease (Sjogren's Syndrome), Williams remains in the world's top 20 and will be a major threat this week.

"I've been hitting the ball well [in practice] but, when you get in a match, it's a whole different ball game," she said. "But I've got the experience so I think I will be able to handle the moment."

Williams gave great value last year, going all the way to the ASB Classic final before losing to top seed Ana Ivanovic. Her booming serve was the talk of the town - nudging over 200km/h at some points - and it remains a formidable weapon.

Williams faces world No56 Jana Cepelova of Slovakia in the first round. If she gets through - the American won their sole previous match 6-4 6-1 in Cincinatti in 2013 - Williams will meet either Kiki Bertens or Kurumi Nara in the second round and is seeded to meet Mona Barthel in the quarter-finals.

"No match is easy," Williams said. "All the players here are very talented and everybody's motivated to get these matches in that are so important. I have to just bite down, focus and take some inspiration from [yesterday], get in and do it."