Maria Sharapova draws in massive crowds for ASB Classic tournament
Former World Number 1 Maria Sharapova’s incredible magnetism and pulling power have drawn in a record number of sales for the ASB Classic event, to be held next week. Currently ranked World Number 18, the tennis player slash part time model is the biggest
name ever to participate in the tournament. Her participation in the event has sent Auckland dwellers racing to the ticket stands for a chance to see her play.
Tournament director Richard Palmer confirmed this fact, saying that ticket sales this year are higher than they have ever been before, even when compared with years in which former tennis pro Anna Kournikova and Lindsay Davenport were competing. He says,
“We had, I think, three days in each of those tournaments sold out and a couple quite close... and tickets sales are ahead of both those years.”
Sharapova arrived in New Zealand yesterday, and has chosen to maintain a low profile during her stay. She had her opening hit out at the Auckland tennis center earlier today.
While this may not be one of her routine courts, Sharapova’s warm up and her quest to return to excellence in the new year begins at the ASB Classic. Her entourage includes her coach, hitting parner, security guard and her physical trainer; she has also
refused to talk to the media before tomorrow afternoon, when she will be accessible due to a signing session at the city’s aquaduct. However, a handful of fans were granted a sneak peek of the player during a two-hour training run.
While Sharapova made waves on the centre court, her compatriot Dinara Safina practiced in seclusion on court five. The former World Number 1 is notorious for reaching the top position without a Grand Slam, and is unseeded for this tournament due to a year
filled with injuries. She is currently ranked at World Number 63.
Safina hopes to make a new start in New Zealand, saying, “Well you know I've been a while on the tour already. And I've never been here, I was like 'ok' but for a change I wanna try a new year and a season to start in New Zealand.”
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