It's a different tournament, a different David Ferrer and a different racquet from when the world No.8 first played in Auckland in 2003.
The top-seeded Spaniard on Wednesday began his campaign for a fifth Auckland Classic title with his 27th win in the city, taking down Australian qualifier Matthew Barton in two brief sets.
And while Ferrer is now the competition's biggest name, he's made sure not to forget what it was like when he turned up for the first time 13 years ago.
"I am more comfortable, more quiet. When I was younger, I was inconsistent. But it's 2016 and I'm still playing, just a bit older," he laughs.
He also still remembers his first title at Auckland fondly.
"I beat Tommy Robredo, in 2007. I have a good memory of that match. It was raining, we stopped two or three times. Only good memories," he says.
Turning 34 this year, Ferrer admits each year is getting harder.
"Tennis is changing. Now there is a lot of power. The biggest players are very tall. I tried to improve my game and adapt to the new generation," he says.
"I know I will finish, stop playing tennis because there are better players than me. But at the moment, I'm No.8 in the world."
As for swapping to a more power-heavy racquet, he admits that's one change he's still getting used to.
"I know this racquet is the best for me. But I know I need two or three months to know the new racquet," he says.
"But if I lost tomorrow, I know it's not the racquet, it's me."
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