Photo / Dean Purcell
The glamour girls of tennis have arrived in Auckland and quickly put Kiwi life centrecourt.
Seven-time grand slam winner Venus Williams, ranked World No18, enjoyed a powhiri and a glimpse of Maori culture through hongi, waiata and speeches.
She faced the haka and took part in a singalong at Orakei Marae.
"It wasn't like anything I have ever seen before and I have been around the world and seen a lot," said the 34-year-old. "I wasn't sure what to expect but it was so welcoming and so peaceful."
Meanwhile, Caroline Wozniacki turned up at last night's glitzy players' party after shopping for local fashion.
The world No8 wore a Juliette Hogan dress. She confessed she'd had a difficult time choosing from the collection at the Britomart store so she took a second dress too.
Wozniacki, who had a very public split from fiance golfer Rory McIlroy, remained mum on speculation surrounding her new NFL boyfriend Ryan Kerrigan.
• The ASB Classic main draw starts on Monday.
It's understood a NZDF aircraft and multiple helicopters are involved.