KEY POINTS:
Margaret and Stewart Wilson were waiting in line to buy tickets to the tennis when a stranger walked up to them and gave them hers.
"She said, 'I've got two tickets - would you like them?"' said Mrs Wilson. "It was like Father Christmas."
The Waiheke Island couple couldn't have picked a better day - the summer sun made a spectacular show even better as New Zealand's Marina Erakovic, American drawcard Lindsay Davenport and Russian top seed Vera Zvonareva charged into the third round of the ASB Classic women's tennis tournament in Parnell.
The Wilsons have both played tennis, and Mr Wilson says he was keen player in his day.
"The women didn't play like they do now," he quipped.
Next to the Wilsons was Michelle Gowans, who used to work as the venue's caterer "years ago".
A friend had a spare ticket and invited her to join her and make a day of it.
Ms Gowans was backing one player: "I want Lindsay Davenport to win."
Also making a day of it was Sue Mavor, who is back after visiting last year.
She got entry this year courtesy of friend Sioux Campbell, who had a spare ticket.
"It's a girls' day out."
Also returning was Judy Barton, who has not been back since the 80s.
Friend Liz Balogh helped in that regard, after winning tickets from a raffle draw at the Pt Chevalier Tennis Club, where she plays "when I get there".
The mother of two has been coming to the tennis every year for as long as she remembers.
"It's relaxing, a great day out - and I get away from the kids for a bit."
