Mattek-Sands heads to New Zealand for wild adventure

New Zealand's Waihopai Tennis Club is busy preparing for a special visitor and no, it’s not Santa Claus. This weekend, the world’s most southern tennis club will host doubles champion Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

Mattek-Sands is heading Down Under early to visit the home of Sanford Ltd's premium salmon brand Big Glory Bay. She and her husband Justin will enjoy Stewart Island, savor some of the world’s purest salmon and try Blue Cod fishing before hitting with some of Waihopai’s up and coming talent.

“When you’re this far from home and you have the chance to tick the most southern tennis club in the world off your list, it’s a no brainer,” Mattek-Sands said. “No matter where I go, how far I travel, the chance to get on the court with people who love the game as much as I do is always welcome. I can’t wait to meet the rising stars of Waihopai and test their backhands”.

Sanford and Big Glory Bay are in their second year of sponsoring the ASB Classic in Auckland.

"We plan to launch into both LA and San Francisco, targeting the premium restaurants in these areas," Sanford Ltd Chief Customer Officer Andre Gargiulo said. "Who better to help us tell our story than Bethanie and her husband Justin by seeing and experiencing Big Glory Bay and its wonderful King Salmon for themselves."

After her first year back from a serious knee injury, Mattek-Sands is ranked No. 65 in doubles and No. 363 in singles. The WTA International ASB Classic begins on New Years Eve, with the men's ATP 250 event held the week after.

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