Tennis: Venus takes Robredo to three sets

Michael Venus of New Zealand plays a forehand during his match against Tommy Robredo of Spain on day one of the Heineken Open at the ASB Tennis Centre in Auckland. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand number one Michael Venus took a set off former world number five Tommy Robredo before succumbing in his first round Heineken Open tennis match today.

Venus won the first set against the Spaniard in a tiebreak but could not capitalise on his opportunity and went down 7-6 3-6 0-6.

Venus started in style, breaking Robredo's serve in the second game and going out to a 3-0 lead.

With his big serve working well, Venus had two set points on his serve at 5-3 but lost his chance as Robredo took the next four points to win the game.

Robredo had a 5-1 lead in the first set tiebreak but Venus played some inspired tennis to catch up and eventually take the tiebreak 8-6.

Venus looked pumped up when he won that set but it was Robredo who came out the stronger. He won the only break of serve and took the set 6-3.

It was all one-way traffic in the third as Venus made a series of unforced errors, barely winning a point as Robredo took the set 6-0.

Venus' loss means no New Zealanders are left in the tournament after Rubin Statham lost his final qualifying match 4-6 6-4 6-3 to Pere Riba of Spain today.

Robredo's second round opponent will be the winner of tomorrow's match between seventh seed Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil and Michael Russell of the United States.

- NZPA