Tennis: unassuming gardener saves ASB ClassicWed, 04 Jun 2008 05:19p.m.

The future of the ASB Classic is safe after securing after the sponsorship needed to keep New Zealand’s only international women's tennis tournament alive.
A financial backer has come to the rescue, but he is not in the mould of your typical wealthy businessman.
When you think of a financial backer, you think Italian suits and fast cars, but the saviour of the ASB Classic prefers tennis shoes and track pants, that is because he is a gardener.
“I love all sport, and the outdoors, and avoid getting in an office wherever possible,” says Graham Windross.
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Tennis: unassuming gardener saves ASB ClassicWed, 04 Jun 2008 05:19p.m.
Graham Windross



The future of the ASB Classic is safe after securing after the sponsorship needed to keep New Zealand’s only international women's tennis tournament alive.
A financial backer has come to the rescue, but he is not in the mould of your typical wealthy businessman.
When you think of a financial backer, you think Italian suits and fast cars, but the saviour of the ASB Classic prefers tennis shoes and track pants, that is because he is a gardener.
“I love all sport, and the outdoors, and avoid getting in an office wherever possible,” says Graham Windross.
Tennis enthusiast Graham Windross is the managing director of wholesale nursery Zealandia, and his company's come up with 500 thousand dollars to save the ASB Classic.
But unlike other high profile backers who like to mix business with pleasure, Windross is modest about his role in rescuing the tournament.
“I'm sure somebody else would've come along if I hadn't you know I just saw it as an opportunity the same as I’m sure Terry does and it's amazing what he's done for soccer and I think that's fantastic as well so no, just pleased to be able to help.,” Windross says.
Changes to the women's tennis tour put the tournament at risk, but new sponsorship means the Classic can now attract top 10 players with more prize money, and the same points on offer as a corresponding tournament in Brisbane.
It also means fans can enjoy watching Marina Erakovic continue her development.
It is all thanks to an unassuming gardener, with a passion for tennis. nnis enthusiast Graham Windross is the managing director of wholesale nursery Zealandia, and his company's come up with 500 thousand dollars to save the ASB Classic.
But unlike other high profile backers who like to mix business with pleasure, Windross is modest about his role in rescuing the tournament.
“I'm sure somebody else would've come along if I hadn't you know I just saw it as an opportunity the same as I’m sure Terry does and it's amazing what he's done for soccer and I think that's fantastic as well so no, just pleased to be able to help.,” Windross says.
Changes to the women's tennis tour put the tournament at risk, but new sponsorship means the Classic can now attract top 10 players with more prize money, and the same points on offer as a corresponding tournament in Brisbane.
It also means fans can enjoy watching Marina Erakovic continue her development.
It is all thanks to an unassuming gardener, with a passion for tennis.