Two months ago Michael Venus stood alongside Ryan Harrison as he got married – but in Paris, the close friends shared the spotlight with an unexpected men’s doubles title run.
The unseeded pair capped off a memorable fortnight playing their first Grand Slam tournament together to defeat American Donald Young and Mexican Santiago Gonzalez 7-6(5) 6-7(4) 6-3 in the French Open final.
“It was special, because, you know, he was someone who was there for a lot of memorable moments of my life, including my wedding, being one of my groomsman. To have him with me and the most special moment of my career is surreal,” Harrison said.
Victory for @ryanharrison92 & Michael Venus!
Their first Major title together! #RG17 pic.twitter.com/TBgx1ABUpN
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 10, 2017
Venus, a 29-year-old from New Zealand, becomes the first Grand Slam champion from his nation since 1979. Remarkably the French Open marked the first time the doubles specialist had gone further than the third round.
It was also Harrison’s first Grand Slam title.
“You always dream of winning a Grand Slam every time you’re playing as a kid. You idolise people you see winning Grand Slams. You picture yourself in those moments, and it kind of hasn’t really sunk in yet. Feels a little surreal,” admitted the 25-year-old American.
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