Tennis: Kiwi wins maiden ATP title

Kiwi Michael Venus has won hsi first ATP Tour doubles title in France. Photo / Nick Reed

New Zealand Davis Cup tennis player Michael Venus has won his first ATP world tour doubles title after a three set victory at the $439,000 euro Nice ATP tournament in France.

Venus, ranked 63rd in the world, and regular partner Mate Pavic from Croatia defeated the tournament top seeds of Romanian Horia Tecau and Dutchman Jean Julien Rojer 7-6(4) 2-6 10-8 for the title and the $24,000 euro winners cheque.

Venus and Pavic now take their form into the French Open doubles this coming week, with the draw scheduled to be released on Monday.