Michael Venus chases place in final four at French Open

Michael Venus is a win away from the French Open semifinals. Photosport

History beckons for New Zealand's top ranked doubles player Michael Venus at the French Open overnight.

The 29-year-old Aucklander will attempt to be the first Kiwi male to make a Grand Slam semifinal since 1995.

Venus and his American doubles partner play seventh seeds Croatian Ivan Dodig and Spaniard Marcel Granollers for a place in the last four at Roland Garros. If the Kiwi wins he will likely achieve a career high ranking inside the world's top 30 when they come out next week.

"Tomorrow is going to be a tough match" Venus said. "These guys have been in this position in big tournaments many times. The key for us will be focussing on our game, playing to our strengths and focussing on what we can control. We are looking forward to bringing a lot of energy and enjoying the moment."

The match is scheduled to be the third match on show court one, the circular 'Bull Ring' which is the third of the major courts at Roland Garros. Brett Steven was the last New Zealand male to achieve the feat, reaching the semifinals of the doubles in Paris in 1995 with American Tommy Ho.

Marina Erakovic was the last New Zealander to reach the semifinal of a Grand Slam when she and Thai partner Tamarine Tanasugarn made the women's doubles semifinals at Wimbledon in 2011.

Before Roland Garros, Venus had never won a set in Paris in three previous appearances since debuting here in 2014.

Venus opted against heading to the stadium courts for practice on the eve of his quarter final.

"I had a long doubles match yesterday and then had mixed doubles so have taken it easier today" He said.

"I spent the morning reading a book and relaxing at the apartment and after lunch I hit a basket of balls with Ryan (off site) for an hour."

In the first round he and Harrison accounted for Argentine Diego Schwartzman and American Francis Tiafoe 36, 6-4, 6-4. They then played their best match of the tournament to date to beat Poland's Lukasz Kubot and Brazilian Marcelo Melo 6-4, 6-7, 6-3. They appeared down and out against then Indian pair of Purav Raja and Divij Sharan who served for the match at 6-5 in the second set. But Venus and Harrison broke back and went on to clinch a 4-6, 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 victory.

It improved on a record of six Grand Slam appearances where Venus had got to the third round, at Wimbledon in 2015 and 2016, the Australian Open in 2014 and 15, the US Open in 2014 and this week.

He will have some close support in the stands when he walks out on court.

"My girlfriend Sally has been able to travel with me for 5 to 6 weeks which has been a huge help for me off the court. My mum has made the trip over and so it has been great to be able to share this so far with both of them." Venus said.

Venus and Harrison are guaranteed to share 72,000 Euros (NZ$113,000) for making the quarter-finals. Win through to the semis and they will take away 132,000 Euros (NZ$208,000) between them.

Matt Brown is at the French Open thanks to Emirates Airline