You might be hearing a whole lot more about Jiri Vesely. The Czech qualifier is the new Heineken Open champion, after beating Adrian Mannarino in a one sided-final yesterday.

Over the past two weeks, spectators, players and celebrities feasted on top-notch food and drink at the ASB Classic and Heineken Open.

Over the last few weeks, Karl Budge has had some interesting tasks. As the ASB Classic and Heineken Open tournament director, he's in charge of two of the biggest annual sporting events in NZ.

The Heineken Open may have been missing some name players this week - but perhaps the most recognisable umpire in world tennis has been in Auckland.

Heineken Open finalist Adrian Mannarino has a special shot - and he can't wait to get it out of his game.

Michael Burgess and Kris Shannon look back at five other unexpected names to reach the decider of Auckland's long running ATP event.

South African Kevin Anderson has strong New Zealand connections but that didn't help his cause in three previous visits to the Heineken Open.

There's a strange virus sweeping through the Heineken Open - it could be called "Melbournitis".

It's been a long time since a New Zealand player lost a match at the Heineken Open and walked off to a standing ovation.

The Bryan brothers might be the best ever doubles pairing but the sporting gods seem to frown upon them whenever they play in Auckland.

If Ernests Gulbis appears to have a slightly stooped appearance at times today, there might be a good reason for it.

For a few moments yesterday Rubin Statham touched the void.

Michael Venus made history at the Heineken Open last night, becoming the first New Zealander to beat an overseas player at the tournament in more than a decade.

Following the high of the weekend's dream ASB Classic tennis final between the tournament's two biggest names, there is a flat feel about this week's Heineken Open.

Wildcards Michael Venus (world No 426) and Rubin Statham (578) will be in action today, against Colombian Alejandro Gonzalez and Alejandro Falla respectively.

Wesley Whitehouse and Finn Tearney came close to causing an upset before losing a super tiebreaker to formidable Brazil and Belarus duo Marcelo Melo and Max Mirnyl.

Not everyone involved in the Heineken Open would have been too disappointed about the spate of pre-tournament withdrawals.

Frenchman Adrian Mannarino got off to a winning start at the Heineken Open yesterday but says the terrorist attacks in Paris have been on his mind.

The first ball of the Heineken Open will be served today with the main draw singles and doubles beginning this evening and $84,500 up for grabs in Saturday's final.