Daniell and Venus too strong in doubles

Seasoned New Zealand tennis players Marcus Daniell and Michael Venus formed a potent doubles combination in their first match at the Olympics today.

Both New Zealanders have been on the professional tour for the best part of a decade, but they seldom play together.

However they teamed well to beat Belarus players Ilya Ivashka and Egor Gerasimov 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) in their first round match.

The New Zealanders looked to be coasting to victory until the second set tightened up. The tiebreaker was close, but the New Zealanders’ greater consistency under pressure got them home.

Daniell and Venus next meet the Dutch pairing of Wesley Koolhof and Jean-Julien Roger.

Photo, courtesy of Photosport