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.