Walkover in ASB Classic final for Venus, Mektic

Michael Venus received a walkover to win his 25th title and the ASB Classic for the second time on Saturday. 

Venus and Nikola Mektic were due to play against Christian Harrison and Rajeev Ram in the final at 11.30am. But at 10am ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin was informed that Ram had to withdraw because of an arm injury.

That meant it was a walkover for Venus and Mektic and a hastily arranged one-set exhibition match was organised, with Kiwi Isaac Becroft filling in for Ram. Harrison and Becroft won the exhibition set 7-6.

Although it was a disappointment that the final didn’t take place, it was an impressive week for Venus and Mektic, in just their second tournament together they’ve won a title and it sets them up well for the Australian Open, which begins next week.

Although Venus was happy to win another title, it’s not the way he would have liked to achieve this, especially when playing in front of New Zealand tennis fans.

“It's bittersweet,” Venus said. 

“Unfortunately Raj has an injury and we wish him all the best in being ready for next week at the Australian Open.

“It’s disappointing for Christian and it would have been a great match today. 

“For us, we had three quality matches and a nice set there, the guys gave us some more things to work on, so we're really looking forward to next week and getting over to Melbourne and seeing what we can do.”

For Mektic, it’s a three-peat for him at the ASB Classic, having won it the previous two years with Mate Pavic then Wesley Koolhof. 

“It's amazing to win it three times in a row,” Mektic said.

“To be honest, I really like coming here. It's such a nice country, and maybe once when I when I stop, I want to come here and explore the whole country, because it's really nice. 

“I have to congratulate Christian and Rajeev for a great week, they won some very tough matches. “Unfortunately, these things happen and hopefully Raj will be fine for Australian Open, and they both have a very good year and a very good tournament. 

“For us, it's a great start for the partnership it's given us confidence and motivation to keep on going, especially before the big tournament next week.”