The return of international tennis to Auckland, after a two year hiatus, has been given a pass mark by those in charge of the men's and women's tours but local organisers are pushing for improvements.
ASB Classic men's winner Richard Gasquet Photo: PHOTOSPORT
After a challenging two weeks overseeing the ASB Classic new tournament director Nicholas Lamperin is ready to make the 2024 event even better.
The tournament is a homecoming event for Auckland-raised finalist Cameron Norrie, for other players it is the right way to prepare for this week's Australian Open.
Getting competitive matches on an outdoor hard court, in similar conditions to Melbourne, is an ideal lead-in to the first Grand Slam of the year.
Norrie said the Auckland tournament was unlucky to be hit by weather interruptions this year and he would like to see what he considered the best centre court in ATP 250 events follow the lead of other international cities, by covering the Stanley Street site.
"It's the two weeks of the year where people get to enjoy tennis here and for the rest of it they're more focussed on rugby and everything, but as a player I think they should definitely look into putting a roof on just maybe the centre court, I know it's difficult, I know it's a lot of money."
After his first ASB Classic in charge, tournament director Nicholas Lamperin said despite having the full backing of the ATP and WTA tours for their current outdoor and indoor set-up, he would be pushing for upgrades.
"We have to get it done regardless, so whether the tour pushes for it or not for us it doesn't really change our position, we just need to improve our facilities."
Recently players had renewed calls to condense the tennis season for players' welfare.
Shifting the date of the Australian Open from January had been suggested - a move that Lamperin was convinced would not happen.
However, he was aware of the importance of the tournament in Melbourne to getting the big names to Auckland in the opening weeks of the year.
"Tournament dates outside of the Australian Open would be extremely challenging to bring the players over, it needs to be part of a swing."
Rain during the women's final Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The highest ranked male tennis player to play in New Zealand in recent times - top seed world number 3 Casper Ruud - did so behind closed doors due to rain.
Another drawcard, world number 11 Holger Rune made a questionable decision to pull out of the Auckland tournament with injury - though Lamperin would have him back as he would pull in the crowds.
"It's a little bit tricky because you don't want to go too hard against a player you want to leave the door open for future editions. If Holger becomes one of the best players in the world of course we want to have a chance to have him back next year.
"I don't have all of the information around thwe cricumstance of why he pulled out it's a discussion I'd like to have with him and probably his team when I get to Melbourne."
The rise of other tournaments across the Tasman in the same window as the ASB Classic doesn't faze Lamperin.
He was critical of the new United Cup teams tournament and could see some future benefits for Auckland.
"There's a lot of work to be done around trying to find the perfect formula for the United Cup I don't think it was the right formula this year and I would expect the next one to have fewer teams so if there are fewer teams that menas potentially more players for us."
After his title win in his first appearance at the Auckland event, veteran French player Richard Gasquet is among those who might be back to play in the tournament that'll likely have a few tweaks next year.
The Australian Open begins in Melbourne on Monday.
