Michael Venus to grace one of the big show courts at Roland Garros

Michael Venus.

Michael Venus's quest to become the first New Zealander since Onny Parun in 1974 to make a Grand Slam doubles title will begin on the second biggest court at the French Open.

Venus and American partner Ryan Harrison play the Colombian pair 16th seeds Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farrah on Court Suzanne Lenglen from 10-30 NZT tonight. The winners will face Mexican Santiago Gonzalez and American Donald Young for the title.

Parun won the French Open with Australian partner Dick Crealy in 1974.

Venus has had a couple of days off since his quarter final win with his doubles rescheduled for tonight due to one of his opponents, Farah playing in the mixed doubles final this morning.

"We have had some good practice." Venus said. "It's going to be something quite new obviously have never played on a court that size before. (Capacity 10,000) I am just thankful for the opportunity and it's definitely going to be awesome atmosphere. It's the big stage but at the end of the day we just have to focus on ourselves and what we can control."

"We will get to hit on the court in the morning and try to get used to the surroundings and to the conditions of the court. At the end of the day the lines are the same, the net is the same height and we just have to go out and hit that yellow ball."

Venus says the support from back home has been incredible.

"I have had lots of messages from friends and family and some people I haven't heard from in a while and I have not got around to reading them all yet. But it's great to have people wishing me good luck."

The Aucklander will reach a career high doubles ranking next week inside the top 30 regardless of the result of the semi-final and if he wins the semi-final he will be close to the top 20. Venus is guaranteed a share of $208,000 is he loses which will set him up financially for the rest of the season.

Venus and Harrison's prize money will jump to a minimum 270,000 Euros ($423,000) between them should they make the final with 540,000 Euros ($850,000) for the winning team.

Matt Brown is in Paris thanks to Emirates Airline