With his leaping volleys, behind-the-back blocks and through-the-legs swats, Gael Monfils has the full bag of tricks.

The history books may eventually record the name David Ferrer as the Auckland men's tennis open's most successful player, but the pursuit of that goal isn't exactly causing the redoubtable Spaniard to lose any sleep.

New Zealand tennis wildcard Dan King-Turner's hopes have been boosted for the Heineken Open.

Agnieszka Radwanska who took out the ASB Classic in straight sets (6-4 6-4) over Yanina Wickmayer yesterday, buys a new handbag (usually Louis Vuitton) to celebrate a tournament title and plans to add to her collection.

As Gael Monfils hits the courts this week at the Heineken Open, just about everyone will be on guard.

The match will see a contrast in styles with the heavy hitting of Wickmayer against the deft touches and guile of Radwanska. The pair have played twice before, with each winning one match. Wickmayer won on hard court in 2010, Radwanska on clay in 2011.

Yanina Wickmayer's love affair with Auckland is showing no signs of dimming, with the 23-year-old Belgian within a match of a third Auckland women's classic final in four years.

A sluggish, nervy start and a faltering first serve consigned Marina Erakovic's 2013 Classic campaign to a rapidly filling what-might-have-been file.

After looking so good yesterday, Marina Erakovic was off her game today and was duly bundled out of the ASB Classic by American Jamie Hampton 6-1 7-6.