The Heineken Open may have been missing some name players this week - but perhaps the most recognisable umpire in world tennis has been in Auckland.

Heineken Open finalist Adrian Mannarino has a special shot - and he can't wait to get it out of his game.

Michael Burgess and Kris Shannon look back at five other unexpected names to reach the decider of Auckland's long running ATP event.

A spectator was taken to hospital suffering from dehydration as the heat soared to 43C on the centre court at yesterday's Heineken Open quarter-finals.

Lucas Pouille was meant to be on a flight out of Auckland on Tuesday night - now he finds himself in the Heineken Open semifinals.

South African Kevin Anderson has strong New Zealand connections but that didn't help his cause in three previous visits to the Heineken Open.

The Bryan brothers might be the best ever doubles pairing but the sporting gods seem to frown upon them whenever they play in Auckland.

If Ernests Gulbis appears to have a slightly stooped appearance at times today, there might be a good reason for it.

Hip hop music and tennis may not be an obvious fit but try telling that to Kiwi rapper David Dallas.

Michael Venus made history at the Heineken Open last night, becoming the first New Zealander to beat an overseas player at the tournament in more than a decade.

For a few moments yesterday Rubin Statham touched the void.

Michael Venus made history at the Heineken Open last night, becoming the first New Zealander to beat an overseas player at the tournament in more than a decade.

Following the high of the weekend's dream ASB Classic tennis final between the tournament's two biggest names, there is a flat feel about this week's Heineken Open.

Wesley Whitehouse and Finn Tearney came close to causing an upset before losing a super tiebreaker to formidable Brazil and Belarus duo Marcelo Melo and Max Mirnyl.

Not everyone involved in the Heineken Open would have been too disappointed about the spate of pre-tournament withdrawals.

Frenchman Adrian Mannarino got off to a winning start at the Heineken Open yesterday but says the terrorist attacks in Paris have been on his mind.

The first ball of the Heineken Open will be served today with the main draw singles and doubles beginning this evening and $84,500 up for grabs in Saturday's final.

Fans who attended the 2004 Heineken Open will have one abiding memory - watching a 17-year-old Rafael Nadal make a run to the tournament's final.

She rediscovered her fire but world No1 Serena Williams is still on the lookout for her best form as she attempts to break a five-year drought by winning the upcoming Australian Open.

In another blow for the Heineken Open top seed David Ferrer has pulled out through injury.

New Zealand's four-legged "doggy ball boys" have gone global after capturing the heart of tennis ace Venus Williams.