His brother Oliver had helped him get back up to scratch, giving him a “full five hours a day once he was allowed high-impact exercise again. Statham admitted Venus was a tough opponent. The Premier League match was the last time they faced each other. “It hard to play Mike with a serve like that,” he said. He was happy with his win and although he was tired Statham said: “It s a beautiful day out there.”
Barry Harcourt
Michael Venus, left, and Rubin Statham last played against each other at the New Zealand Tennis Premier League. They’ve faced each other many times during the years, Statham says.
“I m good at winning, but not good at engaging the crowd.”
Barry Harcourt
A few of the corporate guests enjoy the sunshine at the Te Anau Tennis Invitational. The outing was the first invitational and third match for Rubin since undergoing hip surgery in 2019. “It s really special that I can run around on the court again,” he said. The brothers are fans of the Te Anau event for a number of reasons, like the slow court that compliments the altitude, but Oliver said it was a great opportunity for younger players to experience high-pressure environments. He would be the first to put his hand up if Te Anau were to host a second tournament, he said.
Tearney, who has played in all the invitationals, loves the Fiordland tournament. Te Anau was an amazing place, as was the tournament with generous financial supporters, he said. Te Anau Tennis Club president Greg Sheppard said many people around the globe would be jealous that the Invitational was going ahead.
Barry Harcourt/Stuff
Te Anau Tennis Club president Greg Sheppard is ready for the 2020 Distinction Hotels Te Anau Tennis Invitational that starts on Monday. The eight edition of the tournament the strongest field ever, so much so that Sheppard declares “there just cannot not be an epic battle in the first round”.