Kiwi Michael Venus and doubles partner Tim Putz of Germany have walked into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, thanks to a walkover third-round victory.
Scheduled to face Australian duo Jason Kubler and Chris O'Connell, an injury to O'Connell in the singles draw on Saturday opened the door for Venus and Putz to advance without even having to hit a ball against the Australian wildcards.
Venus and Putz will line up against Nick Kyrgios and doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinakis for a place in the semi-finals, after the Australian pair beat Gonzalo Escobar and Ariel Behar 6-4 4-6 6-4 in their fourth-round tie.
Kyrgios was eliminated from the men's singles in the second round by Daniil Medvedev, but has found a valuable doubles partner in Kokkinakis, as the pair ended the tournament for top seeds, Croatian pair Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic on Friday.
Venus is also competing in the mixed doubles with fellow Kiwi Erin Routliffe, and will face fourth seeds men's partner Putz and Alexa Guarachi of Chile in the second round on Monday.
