Disappointment for Venus and Murray at the ASB Classic

Michael Venus and his British partner Jamie Murray have played well but have been beaten by unseeded Americans Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow in the first round doubles match at the ASB Classic.

The 4^th seeds led 5-1 in the match tie-break but succumbed in the end 6-7 (2) 6-4 12-10 in an hour and 31 minutes with the match played on the slick indoor courts at the ASB Tennis Arena.

Venus and Murray were coming off a runner up result at last week’s ATP 250 tournament in Adelaide. They dominated the stats and won more points than their opponents but such is the nature of doubles things can change in a flash.

Venus lamented the fact he lost both his service points when leading 5-2 in the match tie break which allowed their opponents back into the match.

The first set was tight with no break points before the tie break which Venus and Murray dominated.

The Kiwi dropped serve in his opening game of the second set and although Venus and Murray had opportunities to break back they couldn’t convert and the American pair took the match to the deciding first to 10 point tie break.

Venus and Murray had two mini breaks in the tie break but after both team’s had match point on their opponents serve, Murray dropped a point on serve at 10-10 and Lammons was able to serve the match out.

Venus and Murray will now head to Melbourne for the start of the Australian Open next week.