Richard Gasquet came back from one set down to beat Cameron Norrie 4-6 6-4 6-4 in the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland claiming his first ATP Tour title since s’Hertogenbosch in June 2018.
The 36-year-old French player has become the oldest champion in the 66-year history of the Auckland tournament. He has won the 16th title of his career but just his second hard-court title after Doha 2013.
Norrie has lost the Auckland final for the second time in five years. The British player was defeated for the first time this year after opening the 2023 season with six consecutive match wins. The British player, who grew up in new Zealand, lost eight of his 12 finals in his career.
Norrie earned his first break in the fourth game of the first set. Gasquet broke back in the ninth game but Norrie earned his second break to win the first set 6-4 after 42 minutes.
Gasquet broke Norrie’s serve in the fifth game of the second set and saved break points to hold on his serve to win the second set 6-4 drawing the match level to one set apiece.
Norrie earned a break in the second game of the third set, but Gasquet broke back in the seventh game. The French veteran broke serve in the ninth game with a cross-court forehand earning his chance to serve for the match and sealed the win on his first match point. Gasquet converted four of his eight break points in a tight third set. Norrie earned nine break points and converted three of his chances.
“The last time I won dates back to 2018. I am 37 this year, so when I came last week, if you were to tell next Saturday I would win here, I would not believe it. It’s an amazing title for me, especially now at my age. I really did not think I would win again. It’s incredible, especially after falling behind 0-3 0-40 in the third set. It’s an incredible match for me. I played a great third set . I did not miss a shot after 3-0 and I managed to win. I performed on my serve with a lot of pressure. I am really happy, especially winning against Cameron, who is one of the best players in the world”, said Gasquet.
Gasquet fulfilled his dream of playing in New Zealand. He has been a fan of the All Blacks rugby team.
“It’s my first time here in New Zealand but I really love rugby and I am a big fan. I talked a lot to French rugby players how special it was to play here in New Zealand and in Auckland. I grew up watching the All Blacks haka, even at the Stade de France. I always wanted to play here, but I could not do it while I was coming through. It’s 20 years on the tour and finally I came here”, said Gasquet.
Gasquet is the second consecutive French player to win in Auckland after Ugo Humbert triumphed in 2020. The Auckland tournament has not been held in 2021 and 2022 due to covid-19.
Norrie congratulated with Gasquet after the match.
“I wanted this title beally bad, but all credit to Richard. He hung in there and played and played better than me down the stretch. I had an amazing match. I grew up here watching the tournament, a lot of friends and family here and everyone was supporting me, which was great. I really wanted to win the title but for me today makes me even hungry, and I will be back and hopefully get the title next year”, said Norrie.
Gasquet will face Humbert in an all French first round match at the Australian Open.