Kiwi junior makes Australian Open junior doubles quarters

Finn Reynolds in his first round match against Matteo Martineau of France. Photo / Getty Images

A new experience and plenty of learning has paid dividends for Hawkes Bay tennis junior Finn Reynolds

The 17-year-old in his first Grand Slam junior event has had success at the Australian Open boys doubles in Melbourne.

Reynolds and Portugal's Duarte Vale won their second round match to reach the quarter-finals of the doubles despite never having played together as a team.

They beat Maxence Broville (France) and Vlad Andrei Dancu (Romania) 6-2 7-6(2) and now play Siddhant Banthia (India) and Kaya Gore (Turkey) for a place in the semis.

Earlier they had defeated the third seeds third seeds Ergi Kirkin (Turkey) and Corentin Moulet (France) 1-6 6-4 10-7 in the first round

In singles Reynolds was beaten in round one by France's Matteo Martineau 3-6 2-6, however Reynolds has been in awe of his experience at the Australian Open.

"Its been amazing. Its been real cool playing in front of crowds and having all of the experience and stuff and being around the pros. Its been a lot of fun, but a disappointing singles result as the nerves got to me a bit. I need to create some more weapons for myself.

But great to make the quarterfinals of the doubles. It was a really good match and really fun. Im definitely very happy and every match I can get through is great. I havent really thought about too much. Im just looking forward to another match and its great to get there with first time playing with my partner as well," said Reynolds.

Fellow Kiwi Ajeet Rai from Taranaki and Dutchman Ryan Nijboer lost a tough second round doubles match to Shinji Hazawa (Japan) and Alexey Zakharov (Russia) in their second round 4-6 7-5 7-10. Earlier Rai lost to seventh seed Alexei Popyrin (Australia) 6-3 4-6 3-6 in one hour 45 minutes in his first round singles match.

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from New Zealand Tennis