There is angst over the state of men's tennis in the US with fans pining for the days of Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Michael Chang but the women's game is in good heart.
There are seven American females in the top 50 and 14 in the top 100.
"It's awesome," said Stephens. "There's so many [American] girls and we have all grown up together."
"You are not going to tournaments feeling like you are by yourself," said Townsend. "You have companionship out there."
Stephens - who reached the semifinals of the 2013 Australian Open - has long been tipped as the next big thing. The 21-year-old showed glimpses of her potential yesterday, with some astonishing power from the baseline and great speed as she beat Silvia Soler-Espinosa (Spain) 6-3, 6-1 in just over an hour.
There are inevitable comparisons with the Williams sisters but it's part of the territory.
"I love being compared to them just because they have done so many great things," says Townsend. "They created a path that has moulded women's tennis, has moulded African Americans coming up in the sport. For people to see my potential is exciting but I have to stay on my own path."
The 103-ranked Townsend justified her wild card yesterday with a convincing 7-5, 3-6, 6-0 win over an out-of-sorts Wickmayer. The 18-year-old left hander produced some wicked angles from the back of the court and showed a deft touch at the net.
Meanwhile, Sara Errani continued a recent tradition of highly ranked Italians taking an early bow in Auckland, after compatriot Roberta Vinci exited in the first round last year as top seed. The second seeded Errani lost 6-3, 6-2 to Daniela Hautuchova in 75 minutes. Errani (World No14) was ranked almost 50 places higher than her opponent (62) but never looked likely.
Today offers a smorgasbord of action. Aside from Williams, top seed Caroline Wozniacki will make her first appearance, against Israeli qualifier Julia Glushko. "I had a great end to [last]season," said Wozniacki. "I played some of the best tennis I've ever played. Hopefully I can build on that and start off the year well."
Former grand slam champions Svetlana Kuznetsova and Francesca Schiavone are also in action while local interest will centre on Marina Erakovic, who faces doubles partner Monica Puig. Erakovic has progressed beyond the first round in Auckland only once in the past five years.
