Kiwis have tough draw at Olympics but aren't overawed

New Zealands tennis Olympians in Rio, Michael Venus and Marcus Daniell arent overawed by the tough task they have in the first round of the doubles competition.

They have been drawn to play the Canadian pair of veteran Daniel Nestor and talented Vasek Pospisil.

Nestor has a current ATP doubles ranking of nine and has 90 career titles including eight Grand Slam titles while Pospisil is 17 in the world and has six titles including the 2014 Wimbledon title.

Venus is ranked 41st with four titles and two finalists finishes this year and Daniell ranked 56th has one title to his name this year.

Daniell knows how dangerous their opponents will be in the first round of the doubles.

"Nestor and Pospisil are high quality pair, with Nestor one of the most experienced doubles players in the world and both having won grand slams. However, both Mike and I are used to playing at this level now and have beaten teams of their calibre in recent events. Theres not going to be any holding back or feelings of intimidation on our side. To win a tournament you have to beat the seeded teams. Well just have to do it straight out of the blocks."

As combinations the teams have never clashed.

The match will be held on Sunday 7 August (Brazil) time meaning the Kiwi players will have a day to recover after marching in the Opening Ceremony.

http://www.rio.itftennis.com/olympics/draws

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from New Zealand Tennis