Cyclist Simon Van Velthooven wants to earn his spot back on Team New Zealand’s black boat.
He's been practising in Paris since Monday but Michael Venus has only just had his first look at the Roland Garros Centre court Philippe Chatrier, the venue of his stunning French Open doubles triumph 12 months ago.
The Kiwi who had never won a match on the Parisian red clay prior to his incredible run through the draw with Ryan Harrison last year, got goosebumps as he reflected on that victory ahead of his title defence with new partner Raven Klaasen.
"This is the first time I have been back out to see the court since playing here last year and it brought back some goosebumps, some good feelings and it's exciting to kick off the tournament again," Venus said.
The Kiwi who will enter the tournament ranked 14 in the world, just two places shy of his career high ranking of 12 achieved after Wimbledon last year, is feeling relaxed and is playing down any talk of pressure that comes with being defending champion.
"I think no matter what tournament you play you will have nerves but especially the Grand Slams no matter when you get out on court there will be nerves, but when you can look at the positives from last year, that confidence definitely helps gets you through those situations," Venus said.
The doubles draw will only come out on Monday NZT but Venus doesn't mind whoever he and his South African partner Raven Klaasen draw in the first round.
Michael Venus in action against Lucas Pouille of France on centre court at the ASB Tennis Stadium in 2015. Photo / File
"We have had a good week practising here and working on a few things to iron out. But we have had a solid couple of months on the clay. We haven't had that big result but have put ourselves in good positions consistently each week and hopefully, we will come through on some of those big moments coming up soon."
Venus and Klaasen won the ATP 250 title in Marseille in February and reached the quarterfinals at the Masters 1000 tournament in Miami with their best performances on clay, quarterfinals at the Monte Carlo and Madrid Masters.
So how does Venus rate his partnership after playing together with the veteran South African for nearly five months?
"We are not having too many highs or too many lows, it's a consistent style we are playing and we are in most of the matches we are playing and are giving ourselves opportunities. It's really positive knowing we are not having to play unbelievable in every match to get the win or do anything spectacular. We just have to keep trusting what we are doing and hopefully, we will go from strength to strength." Venus said.
It hasn't been perfect by any stretch with the pair yet to challenge for titles at the bigger tournaments. They are 8th in the ATP race to London, where the top eight teams play at the ATP World Tour Finals in November. Venus and Ryan Harrison reached the semis there last year, but the Kiwi and Klaasen know strong showings in the remaining Grand Slams will be the only realistic way they will qualify this year.
"We have worked out the style we are trying to play and that has taken a bit of time getting used to each other, now it's about execution and putting the ball where we need to and stepping up in the moments and taking the opportunities."
Venus is optimistic those big results will come and feels their respective games complement each other well.
"Raven is a very good athlete, he's fast has great hands and has doubles awareness and I have the power side. It's good when one of us is kind of struggling in other areas then the other one can kind pick it up and help out."
Venus has a whopping 2000 points to defend after winning the French Open last year, and an early exit will see him drop significantly in the rankings. But his success over the past year will ensure the damage is limited and he should still be top 30 by the end of the tournament which will enable him to play the bigger tournaments after Wimbledon.
"There have definitely been some really good highs and sometimes where I was wondering what I was doing out on court. But it's been good to have that consistency to say no matter what I am going to have a shot at those big tournaments."
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