By TERRY MADDAFORD
Michael Chang and Magnus Norman will play in front of a sellout crowd at this afternoon's Auckland international tennis final.
The huge crowds which have flocked to Stanley St for this year's Heineken Open have gone close to 30,000 for the six-day tournament - well up on the previous best. And, with Chang already talking of returning in 2001, the record could well be short-lived.
Auckland Tennis marketing manager John McEwing said almost every session had been sold out.
"The support really justifies the efforts we have made in getting the best possible players here. We could not have been happier with the tournament's success."
When asked if he was likely to return after his first taste of tennis in this part of the world, Chang said simply: "Why not? If you enjoy a place you come back. There have been stops on the tour I never miss. I love the atmosphere. The crowds have been amazing."
There could not be a better place to start the year on a great note, he said.
Juan Balcells, beaten by Chang in an entertaining three-set semifinal, is another certain to return next year.
"After this tournament I want to come back," said Balcells who has played some of his tennis in New Zealand. He was in the winning doubles combination as Spain won last year's Davis Cup tie in Hamilton and has now gone further than ever before in an ATP event. "From the first match, the crowd supported me."
The tennis roll is set to continue.
The February 1 exhibition match between Steffi Graf and Australian No 1 Jelena Dokic is almost sold out.
Tennis: Record crowds at Open
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