Auckland Open: Norrie vs Gasquet Tennis Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Auckland Open as Cameron Norrie takes on Richard Gasquet in the final on Saturday, January 14, 2023.

Cameron Norrie is seeking to win his first title at the Auckland Open on the second attempt? But will his perfect start to the year come to a juddering halt when he takes on Richard Gasquet?

Cameron Norrie is picking up form and momentum just at the right time. The British lefty advanced to the final of the Auckland Open for the second time in his career after beating Jenson Brooksby 6-3 6-4. Norrie converted three of his nine break points in a dominant display behind the return. He also saved three of four break points on his serve, and will now eye his fifth Tour-level title by defeating French veteran Richard Gasquet.

Richard Gasquet, meanwhile, advanced into the final of the Auckland Open without striking a ball. His opponent and compatriot Constant Lestienne was forced to pull out from their semifinal due to a pectoral strain and will be in a race against time to be fit for the Australian Open. Gasquet hasn’t won an ATP title since 2018, but with his run this week, with wins over the likes of David Goffin and Joao Sousa, he can still deliver at these low-key ATP events. Will he overcome the in-form Cameron Norrie who hasn’t lost a match in 2023?

Cameron Norrie and Richard Gasquet haven’t played each other on the ATP Tour. Saturday’s final at the Auckland Open will be their first official meeting. Gasquet has rolled back the years this week, producing some pure ball striking from the elegant one-hander. However, Norrie has started the season in immaculate form, winning every single match possible from the United Cup and now in Auckland – a place he calls a second home. Having lost the title match in 2019 to Tennys Sandgren, Norrie should be well-equipped to get over the line this time.