Tennis: Michael Venus wins ASB Classic doubles match

Michael Venus picked up a win in the doubles. Photo / Getty

Michael Venus eventually dusted off the disappointment of his one-sided singles exit by beginning his quest for doubles delight at the ASB Classic.

Venus lasted all of 56 minutes on Monday night, blasted off centre court by Spanish fifth seed Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2 6-1. While never favoured to win that singles match, Venus struggled with his serve and expected to be more competitive.

But, returning to his favoured discipline one evening later, Venus was much more comfortable, even alongside South African partner Raven Klaasen for the first time in years.

Venus and Klaasen first teamed up at a futures tournament in Uzbekistan, one they won some six or seven years ago. For now, they have a winning streak to protect.

Two years ago Venus, world No 15 in doubles, clinched the Classic doubles title with Croatian Mate Pavic. It was a major breakthrough moment, serving to boost his confidence as he went on to win last year's French Open alongside American Ryan Harrison.

This time, back on home court, Venus and Klaasen, the second seeds, lived up to their billing by grafting hard to put away fellow Kiwi Artem Sitak and Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof.

Venus and Klaasen were broken in the first game but rebounded immediately to claim the first set in 24 minutes. From there, it was anything but straightforward, though.

Sitak and Koolhof fought back to push out to a 4-1 lead in the second set. Venus and Klaasen battled back to level, only to concede, but then clintched the super tie breaker to prevail 6-1 6-7 10-7.

After losing to Sitak in the first round of doubles at the Classic last year, Venus was pleased to make amends.

"Any time you're at home you want to play well," Venus said. "One of us was going to be disappointed tonight and that was me last year so I'm excited to get the win with Raven and start our partnership off like this."

Venus and Klaasen progress to meet Poland's Marcin Matkowski and Pakistan's Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi, the defending champions who needed two hours to down Indian pairing Leander Paes and Purav Raja 6-7 (4) 7-6 (8) 10-7.