Tennis: Serving tennis behind scenes

By TERRY MADDAFORD

For 13 years Graham Pearce and Richard Palmer have been the driving forces of Auckland Tennis.

Much of their work goes unnoticed, but for the first two weeks each year, when tennis in New Zealand is big, they must deliver.

Pearce, the association's long-serving chief executive and an ATP Tour director, is tournament director for next week's Heineken Open.

Palmer, tennis operations manager for Auckland Tennis, is responsible for the women's ASB Bank Classic, which has this year's finals at Stanley St this afternoon.

They insist that promoting their sport via the Auckland stops on the major tours is only part of their job.

Palmer, who played a key role in luring Anna Kournikova to the Classic, joined Auckland Tennis in 1989 after a rugby career which included 48 games for Counties - 24 as a wing and 24 at loose forward - and included an All Black trial nomination.

His rugby days ended in France, at the same time as his first contact with tennis coaching.

"I had a diploma of physical education from Otago University, some coaching experience and some knowledge of working with the corporate side of sport," the 48-year-old said. "That apparently suited Auckland Tennis and I became involved with the game's administration."

His main responsibility is with interclub tennis for the 51 clubs - and 2000 teams - between Clevedon and the harbour bridge."

But he also has responsibility for the Classic, which raises a healthy sum for the Starship Hospital through a charity auction, held on Thursday night.

Pearce, a retired New Zealand Army major, was educated at 13 schools around the world before attending the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst.

One of the first fulltime chief executives in New Zealand sport, the 54-year-old oversees a fulltime staff of nine, 16 part-timers and a dozen part-time coaches.

"These two weeks are the obvious shop window," Pearce said. "It is our opportunity to highlight and promote tennis.

"The tournaments, we hope each year, will excite the youngsters and encourage them into the game.

"Revenue-wise," he said, "this year has no doubt been the best ever."

That would hopefully produce even bigger spinoffs and an increased awareness among the public and the 10,000 players who were already part of Auckland Tennis.

ASB Bank Classic full coverage

Players list and profiles

Singles draw

Ticket information

Anna Kournikova picture gallery

ASB Bank Classic picture gallery

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Heineken Open full coverage

Tournament information

Tournament schedule

Players list and profiles

Ticket information

TV coverage

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