Tennis: Venus handed debut as NZ seek revenge

Michael Venus. Photo / Sarah Ivey

New Zealand will have a chance to balance the ledger against Pakistan when the teams meet in the Asia/Oceania Group 2 Davis Cup tennis semifinal beginning tomorrow in Hawera.

Pakistan have named veterans Aisam ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan, both aged 30, to play both the singles and doubles matches.

Qureshi and Khan were also the winning combination Pakistan fielded in the Asia/Oceania Zone group I second round play-off in 2004 which saw New Zealand relegated to group 2 where they have remained since.

New Zealand had beaten Pakistan the previous year at Hamilton but Khan, a cousin of world squash legend, Jahangir Khan, secured the 2004 upset by beating Simon Rea, 7-6 2-6 3-6 6-3 6-2 in the fifth rubber.

For tomorrow's tie, captain Marcel Vos has handed United States-based Michael Venus, 22, his Davis Cup debut as New Zealand No 2 in the singles alongside Rubin Statham, 23.

The tie will open with Statham playing Khan followed by Venus against Qureshi.

Statham has a current singles world ranking of 390 and Venus at 412 while Qureshi is 1057 and Khan 1443.

Venus will partner Heineken Open winner, Marcus Daniell for the doubles match on Saturday against Qureshi and Khan. The reverse singles will be played on Sunday.

Qureshi, a quarterfinalist in doubles at Wimbledon last week said that even without recent singles play he still had plenty to offer his side.

"In Davis Cup it's a little different to the ATP Tour. I will have to use all of my experience to my advantage," said Qureshi who has played 60 Davis Cup matches.

"I am in good form from Wimbledon and hope to continue that form for this tie."

Venus said he expected a tough match but would be getting lots of family support.

"My sisters and parents and grandparents are all coming to watch. It will be great to have them in the crowd," says Venus.

"It's a little nerve wracking to play my first big game, but I'm looking forward to it. Qureshi is a good player."

The winners will meet either Thailand or Indonesia in the final which will decide promotion to group one.

The tie was originally scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan but the International Tennis Federation decided in March to change the venue because of security concerns.

- NZPA