Venus and Harrison began the clay court season by winning the ATP title in Estoril. But they haven't practiced together since arriving in Paris due to the American's focus on his singles. However Harrison suffered a first round defeat overnight and will now turn his attention to the doubles.
Venus and Harrison are scheduled to play the third match on court four and the Kiwi is determined to end his losing streak in Paris.
"We start with the first set of this match and go from there. You do want to play well so you put some more pressure on." Venus said.
It's a constant work in progress for Venus on the red clay, his least favourite surface.
"We don't grow up on clay in New Zealand so we are not as comfortable so it takes us more time to get our footing. So it was great to get that win in Estoril, but it's a new week and we have to try and play well here."
Venus is ranked 39th in the world and knows a strong showing in Paris will help in his goal to break into the top echelon of doubles specialists. He has no points to defend so will make significant gains if he can string some wins together.
"This is what we train for, these weeks of the year and it's really exiting to be here and play here. Everything feels great, I've got to relax and enjoy it and see how we do." Venus said.
The other two Kiwis in the draw, Marcus Daniell and Artem Sitak will start their campaigns tomorrow night against seeded teams.
Venus is optimistic at least one of the Kiwi trio can make a deep run through the draw at Roland Garros.
"Everyone's been playing great and hopefully it's just a matter of time before one of us or all three of us can go deep in one of these big tournaments. I know we are all trying and everyone is turning over every rock we can fine to get the most out of it and get into the second week."
Venus and Harrison will end their doubles partnership for the time being after Roland Garros with the American not playing doubles at Wimbledon due to the best of five sets format. He's concentrating on singles.
But the Kiwi wants to make the most of the combination which gels partly because they've known each other since they were teenagers.
"It helps, I know his personality off the court and he knows mine. We can kind of sense if the other one is up tight or anxious and the other one can help out a bit more, so there are some positives in it."
While their first round opponents are not doubles specialists, the Kiwi number one is wary.
"They are good singles players, and hit great balls, I think the fact they haven't played together before, and we are going to have to come out and play well and take it to them.
Matt Brown is at the French Open thanks to Emirates Airline.
