Michael Venus was ranked more than 600 places below world No19 Benoit Paire but you wouldn't have known in a gripping encounter on Tuesday night. Photo / Getty Images
Michael Venus couldn't repeat his heroics of 2015 at Auckland's ATP event, but again made light of a huge rankings disparity.
The New Zealand wildcard was ranked more than 600 places below world No19 Benoit Paire but you wouldn't have known in a gripping encounter on Tuesday night.
Venus lost
6-4 7-6 (4) but pushed the Frenchman in an impressive display. Paire is a laconic character but an immense talent.
The 26-year-old grabbed one of his two break opportunities, whereas Venus couldn't convert any of his five chances - including a set point in the second set - on the Paire serve.
"I gave myself some chances but I was unable to capitalise on a couple of opportunities I had," said a downcast Venus after the match.
