Tennis: Tough draw for Kiwis in Miami

Michael Venus must love visiting France. Photosport

New Zealand doubles players Michael Venus and Marcus Daniell have both received difficult draws at the Miami Open this week.

Venus and his South African partner Raven Klaasen have been drawn against 7th seeds Ivan Dodig of Croatia and American Rajeev Ram who beat Venus and Klaasen 6-2, 6-2 in last week's Indian Wells Masters.

It's another opportunity for Venus to consolidate his ranking this week as he has no points to defend having lost in the first round on debut in Miami last year.

"We play the guys who beat us at Indian Wells. It will good be a good opportunity for us to see what we have learnt and how well we can implement the adjustments we need to. It is going to start with our own service games and taking care of them."

Venus says they will have to be a lot better in everything they do against a very strong team.

"We are going to need to hit our spots better and set each other up at the net to stay in control of the points. We have had a good week's practice in Florida so we're ready to get started here in Miami," Venus said.

Fellow Kiwi Marcus Daniell who teamed up with Argentine Diego Schwartzman to reach the quarter finals last week in Indian Wells, is reunited with his regular partner Dominic Inglot and is pleased to be back practicing with the Brit.

"It's been good to get back into the regular rhythm and feel like I'm building something again. Hopefully we can get some momentum going this week," Daniel said.

They face the fourth seeded Bryan brothers Bob and Mike who are coming off a runner-up finish in Indian Wells. The Bryan's beat Daniell and Schwartzman 7-5 6-1 in the Indian Wells quarter finals.

Daniell made his debut at Masters 1000 level last year in Miami and lost in the first round and also has no points to defend this week as he chases a first win over the Bryan's at his third attempt.

"I'm pumped about that draw," Daniell said. "I know exactly the level the Bryan's bring to the court and I'm confident that Dom and I can beat them. It will be a different style of match, but one better suited to both mine and Dom's strengths."