Centre Court stage for NZ player

Written by: Staff on 10th January 2011

Centre Court stage for NZ player |

Kiwi hope Michael Venus knows he’s in the big time … people around him are treating him differently. For now, anyway.

Today, Venus (23) steps out onto centre court for the first time in the Heineken Open, the sole local recipient of a Panasonic Singles wild card.

“My parents are pretty excited,” he says. “They never usually get to see me play.”

Venus has opted to stay with his family on the North Shore this week, rather than

taking advantage the salubrious environs of the official tournament hotel. Even this has its perks, though.

“They aren’t making me do any chores around the house this week … that will probably change next week.”

Ranked 329 in the world, Venus will need to play the match of his life if he is to get past his opening opponent – 2007 finalist Tommy Robredo of Spain.

While Robredo’s ranking – he is unseeded at 50 – took a hit last year due to a back injury, he has been as high as 5 in 2006, won nine ATP Tour titles and reached five Grand Slam quarterfinals.

“He’s a great player,” says Venus. “I’m excited to play against someone like him.

“I’ll give it my best and what happens, happens. I’m a little bit nervous, but I’m ready to play.”

Other features of the day’s schedule see Kiwi Marcus Daniell hook up with Russian-born Artem Sitak in a bid to defend his doubles title, while 2008 champion and current eighth seed Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany meets Argentine Carlos Berlocq in the night session.

Topics: Michael Venus, Tennis