By TERRY MADDAFORD
South American kids love to play their sport, be it football or tennis, in the streets.
On Monday, two big kids - and two of the biggest names in world tennis - will take to Auckland's Queen St for their version of the television advertisement made famous by Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras in New York some years ago.
On one side of the net, Brazilian star and former world No 1 Gustavo Kuerten. On the other, 2002 Wimbledon finalist Argentine David Nalbandian.
Arriving from opposite sides in big flash cars for the noon showdown, the pair will go at it on a taped court between Victoria and Wellesley Sts. Organisers will also put up a net and barricade off the area to ensure the players' safety, but without detracting from the lunchtime entertainment.
"We had to find the flattest place we could," said organiser Andrew Sylvester. "We have found an area closer to Wellesley Street as the camber was too pronounced further down."
The impromptu singles will be followed by a doubles match featuring the South Americans against two New Zealanders, including open wildcard Simon Rea.
The match, which will be profiled by the ATP Tennis Show on international television, will be compered by veteran American broadcaster Bud Collins and have television presenter Simon Dallow as umpire.
Nalbandian is the second seed for the Auckland tournament and Kuerten is seeded fifth.
Legends at lunchtime
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.