Marcos Bagdahtis has brought his unique brand of tennis to Auckland - and so far the recipe is working.

Second seed John Isner is the latest big name casualty of the ASB Classic after falling to his American compatriot Steve Johnson in today's quarterfinals.

Marco Bagdahtis says his racquet smashing days are over.

There was joy and heartbreak in equal measure for New Zealand doubles players at the ASB Classic on Wednesday night. Kiwi Artem Sitak

Statham got a surprise ticket into the second round.

The ASB Classic appears to have become the tournament where top seeds fail to flower.

Four time ASB Classic champion David Ferrer talks to the media after his surprise second round defeat at the ASB Classic on Wednesday.

American tennis star Jack Sock took up the role of umpire for a charity tennis match at the ASB Classic on Tuesday.

Top seed and defending champion Roberto Bautista-Agut is out of the ASB Classic.

Kiwi wildcard Artem Sitak is out of the ASB Classic. It was always going to be an uphill struggle for the New Zealander, who has barely played singles over the last few years

New Zealand wildcard Michael Venus talks with NZ Herald tennis reporter Michael Burgess after his narrow first round defeat at the ASB Classic

Matt Brown and David Mustard review day one of the ASB Classic men's tournament.

Russian young gun Karen Khachanov is often compared to Marat Safin - and doesn't mind at all. In fact, he seems to enjoy it.

Michael Venus almost did it again.Venus was defeated by sixth seed Feliciano Lopez but it was an extraordinary effort.

South-westerlies dominating the country this summer will continue to deliver wind and cloud to large parts of the country today.

Bienvenidos Senor Ferrer. Spaniard David Ferrer has been coming to Auckland so long, he must feel like a local.

Two of ASB Classic 2017's biggest names paid a visit to Ronald McDonald House in Auckland this afternoon to delight kids with a paint party.

There will be three New Zealanders in action in the ASB Classic singles this week, after Finn Tearney made local history today

There will be two Kiwis in the main draw of the ASB Classic, with Michael Venus handed a wildcard on Saturday.

The ASB Classic has been a smash hit with most punters, despite the high-profile failure of the Williams sisters and Caroline Wozniacki to ace the field.

Croatian teenager Ana Konjuh has progressed to the ASB Classic final, with a 6-3 4-6 6-3 over German Julia Goerges.

Ana Konjuh is back in her second home - and looking forward to further repaying the loyalty shown by the ASB Classic.

The ASB Classic's greatest line-up in history has turned into the greatest flop as Caroline Wozniacki crashed out of last night's quarter-finals.

Yet again, the ASB Classic reminds us of the reality of sport.

Croatian tennis star Ana Konjuh is through to the semifinals of the ASB Classic.

Former World #1 Caroline Wozniacki lost to 2016 finalist Julia Goerges, who completed one of the best comebacks in the history of the tournament.

WTA CEO Steve Simon doesn't believe Serena Williams' negative comments reflect badly on the ASB Classic..

WTA boss Steve Simon has issued a challenge to ASB Classic organisers to increase its prizemoney.

COMMENT: Serena Williams is often held up as an example to budding sportspeople - but she was far from a role model on Wednesday says Michael Burgess.

OK, so the top two seeds are headed for the airport and the next jet-airliner bound for Melbourne ... but the ASB Classic continues in their absence.