Jelena Jankovic. Photo / Dean Purcell
Virginie Razzano (France)
The expressive 23-year-old arrived for the qualifying event last weekend. Yesterday was her sixth game in as many days. The first five were all won in straight sets, including over world No 17 Daniela Hantuchova.
Living proof that playing day after day can work.
A player with passion, she's been delighted by her success. The world No 88, Razzano is making her way back from a fractured wrist last year. Again, well worth a return next year.
Jelena Jankovic (Serbia)
The top seed and world No 12 is a gifted player who arrived after making big strides in the last year. The Classic needs quality players on the rise.
Jankovic lobbed into Auckland after the tournament had begun and spent a couple of days battling jet lag. She was impressive yesterday and is two wins away from a second career title. In her current form Jankovic may well give the elite players a real shake this year.
Eleni Daniilidou (Greece)
The two-time Auckland champion is among the most popular players to have appeared at the Classic.
An exuberant personality, who doesn't try to hide her emotions, Daniilidou regained some of the lost ground last year and is up to No 36. Good value for the tournament.
Marina Erakovic (New Zealand)
Why? Simple. Every tournament needs a hometown hero, or heroine.
The 18-year-old Aucklander captured the imagination two years ago with her first WTA win on debut. This week she came within a couple of games of toppling Daniilidou.
She looked the part. Her aim is to crack the top 100 this year. She'll be close to No 150 when next week's rankings come out. Erakovic has a determined streak to her, so don't bet against it happening.
Anastasia Myskina (Russia)
Say again? You mean the second seed and world No 16 who departed in the opening round?
Well, yes. Myskina is welcome back for two reasons: during her time here, she was a class act off the court, friendly, happy to chat. A persistent foot injury did for her against Argentine Gisela Dulko and her comeback is set back.
And second, the Classic needs Grand Slam champions. Myskina won the French Open in 2004. She's 25 and in her prime.
