12 Dec 2017

Venus gets singles wildcard for ASB Classic

10:34 am on 12 December 2017

In-form New Zealand tennis player doubles player Michael Venus has been giving a wildcard entry for the singles at next month's ASB Classic in Auckland.

Michael Venus  during the French Open Men's Doubles final.

Michael Venus during the French Open Men's Doubles final. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Venus won the French Open doubles title earlier this year with American partner Ryan Harrison and also reached the final of the ATP finals last month featuring the top eight ranked doubles players in the world.

Harrison will also feature at the ASB Classic.

Venus has been in electric form this season and given his current form and career breaking season, tournament director Karl Budge said it was an easy decision to make.

"I think Mike is New Zealand's best singles player. He has done an incredible job each time he has played main draw for us in recent years and has earnt the right to have another crack.

"That, coupled with the unbelievable year he has had made it a pretty simple decision for us."

This season's results are off the back of the four doubles titles Venus took out last year, including the ASB Classic.

The 30-year-old is looking to put on another winning performance for the home crowd in January.

"I love coming home to play, I've had some success in the past and there's no place I'd rather play than in front of my family, friends and the Kiwi fans on centre court."

After his grand slam triumph, Venus reached his career high doubles ranking of 12 in July, and he's now playing regularly at the top tournaments and beating the world's best.

Singles wise, there's no pressure on Venus which puts him in a dangerous position for his opponents.

The ASB Classic will span two weeks, with the women's tournament from January 1-6 and the men's tournament from January 8-13.