Two of our most successful sports names from oval-ball codes were transformed into everyday fans yesterday -- in awe of two global tennis superstars.
Kiwis and Warriors league star Shaun Johnson lined up with other fans at Stanley St in Auckland to see seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams and tournament top seed Caroline Wozniacki at the ASB Classic. All Blacks Sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens also joined the crowds to see Wozniacki in action.
American Williams thrilled the near-capacity afternoon crowd with a straight sets victory over Slovakian Jana Cepelova.
Johnson, taking a break from the Warriors' pre-season training, was in awe of Williams and excited to take in both of the evening matches.
"I watch a bit of tennis and it's my first time here but I'm certainly excited to see those names in action," he said. "Just to see Venus in person before was pretty awesome and the chance to see Caroline play will be great too."
Tietjens arrived especially to see Wozniacki's victory against Julia Glushko.
He was also sympathetic to the pressure Kiwi Marina Erakovic experiences at her home tournament. The 12-time World Sevens Series champion coach likened 26-year-old Erakovic's predicament to the tremendous expectations his side faces up to each year at the Wellington Sevens.
Erakovic beat Puerto Rican Monica Puig 7-5, 2-6, 6-4.
"The hometown girl, there's always that added pressure just like what we [the All Blacks Sevens] have got in Wellington in three or four weeks. We know what that's all about."
The sports stars' excitement was shared among the regular punters, with many praising Williams' charismatic yet down-to-earth nature.
"She's very personable and it amazes me," said Kim, a regular from Hamilton. "She's such a big star but she always has time for the kids and to sign balls and is always really open and accessible. She is phenomenal."
- By David Skipwith of the New Zealand Herald
