Brave Fight For Kiwi Before Bowing Out

The last remaining Kiwi in the singles has put up a big fight before bowing out of the men's ASB tennis Classic in Auckland.

There were more than 660 places in the rankings between Michael Venus and world number 18 Frenchman Benoit Paire.

The gulf on paper wasn’t evident on court as Venus matched the fifth seed throughout an entertaining encounter.

Paire saving a second set point before advancing 6-4, 7-6.

Venus had a set point opportunity in the second set and says he felt comfortable against Paire, and it was "exciting for me to know that I can play at that level."

Eighth seed Roberto Bautista Agut has ousted defending champ Jiri Vesely in straight sets to join former champion Philipp Kohlschreiber in the second round.

Radio Sport