The decision not to have a local commentary team for the ASB Classic has had repercussions almost immediately. 

While the Classic is being broadcast on Sky Sport, the broadcast features commentary from the London-based world feed for all singles matches on Centre Court. Sky will only be providing commentary on doubles matches, as the world feeds don’t cover doubles. 

Sky have previously employed a local commentary team, made up of Kiwi and overseas experts, based at Stanley St. 

This year’s feed got off to a rocky start prior to the opening match of the tournament between Kiwi wildcard Monique Barry and Elina Avanesyan following a pōwhiri by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. 

“That is a very special Māori welcome to everyone ahead of this match on the main stadium, performed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and in front of the tournament director Nico Lamperin. The Māori welcoming ceremony, officially called a pōwhiri,” the British commentator said; his pronunciation of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and pōwhiri barely intelligible. 

Herald tennis writer Michael Burgess said on X that it was an embarrassing start. 

The tournament has been approached for comment. 

Barry lost the match in straight sets in her first career appearance in a WTA tournament. She started strong – going up 2-0 in the first set – before being losing the opener in a tiebreak. 

The second set was more straightforward for world No 73 Avanesyan, taking it 6-2 for a clean start to her campaign.