Summer has returned to Auckland and with it the ASB Classic. 

The two-week long tennis tournament begins today, and the competition is hot. 

Elina Svitolina, Emma Nacarro, and Stan Wawrinka are some of the world-class names taking to the court this year. 

Tournament Director Nicolas Lamperin told Andrew Dickens it’s the atmosphere around centre court that makes Auckland unique among the tennis tournaments happening around the world. 

He says he’s never seen fans dining around the court anywhere else, and while originally he was concerned players might complain about it, it’s something they remember about the city. 

“They love the fact that fans are so engaged.” 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Summer has returned to Auckland and with it the ASB Classic.&nbsp;
The two-week long tennis tournament begins today, and the competition is hot.&nbsp;
Elina Svitolina, Emma Nacarro, and Stan Wawrinka are some of the world-class names taking to the court this year.&nbsp;
Tournament Director Nicolas Lamperin told Andrew Dickens it’s the atmosphere around centre court that makes Auckland unique among the tennis tournaments happening around the world.&nbsp;
He says he’s never seen fans dining around the court anywhere else, and while originally he was concerned players might complain about it, it’s something they remember about the city.&nbsp;
“They love the fact that fans are so engaged.”&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast. We deliver the best in news, views and opinion to keep Kiwis informed and entertained while you're on the road, at the bach, or relaxing at home.

Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast. We deliver the best in news, views and opinion to keep Kiwis informed and entertained while you're on the road, at the bach, or relaxing at home.

Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Tim Dower and Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast.

Holiday Breakfast

Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Tim Dower and Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast. Tim delivers the best in news, views and opinion to keep Kiwis informed and entertained while you're on the road, at the bach, or relaxing at home.

Nicolas Lamperin: ASB Classic Tournament Director on the 2026 tournament

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/51799f27-71b1-4b02-9e46-b3c9016717ef/transcript

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