Michael Venus of New Zealand during practice ahead of the 2025 Men’s ASB Classic. Photo: Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz
The injury curse that's plagued this year's ASB Classic has once again struck, this time meaning the men's doubles final has been called off.
The silver lining is that it's a win for Kiwi Michael Venus and Croatian partner Nikola Mektic, however not the way they probably wanted.
One of their opponents, American veteran Rajeev Ram, pulled out through injury. It's understood he broke the news to the tournament organisers earlier this morning.
Ram, who was paired with Christian Harrison, suffered the injury in the semi-final win on Friday night.
The walkover is Venus' second title in Auckland. He is also the last New Zealander to claim a trophy at the ASB Classic after winning in 2016 with Mate Pavic.
The crowd will still get a full final's day of tennis though, with a hastily arranged doubles exhibition to be played with Kiwi Isaac Becroft stepping in to partner Harrison against Venus and Mektic.
Becroft was knocked out in the first round of singles by today's finalist Zizou Bergs of Belgium.
French veteran Gaël Monfils will take on Bergs in the final, which should begin around 2pm.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
