By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [2] def Jenson Brooksby 6-3 6-4
- Norrie v Richard Gasquet | H2H: First Meeting
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – Cameron Norrie is into the final in Auckland with a straight sets win over Jenson Brooksby and will now play Richard Gasquet for the title.
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Cameron Norrie [2] def Jenson Brooksby 6-3 6-4
Cameron Norrie is into his first ATP final of the season after defeating Jenson Brooksby in straight sets. Both players had been serving well so far in Auckland and that continued to show in the early stages of the match with two love holds opening the match. However it was Norrie who was more effective on return in the opening set, using angles and depth to force errors from the American.
This tactic lead to a long fourth game where Brooksby had to battle to a service hold, saving four break points in the process. Eventually the pressure told and after securing another love hold, Norrie converted his sixth break point of the set to take a 4-2 lead. There was no threat of a break from Brooksby with Norrie dominating with accurate serving as he only lost one point on serve as he took the opening set 6-3.
The American needed a more aggressive approach in the second set and that’s exactly what happened. Brooksby came into the net more and finished points off early as a smash winner gave him the early break for a 2-0 lead. The break advantage didn’t last long though as Norrie responded with authority, hitting some aggressive returns and breaking back to love in the next game.
Remaining unfazed, Brooksby continued to go on the attack and force Norrie into tactical errors on serve as he created two break points in the sixth game. The Brit kept his composure as he produced some big serves to hold and then broke to love in the next game to take a 4-3 lead. This time there would be no mistake from Norrie as he only conceded one point on serve to book his spot in the Auckland final.
Cameron Norrie [2] v Richard Gasquet H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [2] v Richard Gasquet | H2H: First Meeting |
| ATP Auckland | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $97,760/$57,025 |
| Second on Centre Court (01:00 GMT) | TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
Norrie will now look to win his first title of the season when he takes on Richard Gasquet in the final.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 12) | Richard Gasquet (WR 67) |
| Tournament Previous Best | Final (2019) | N/A |
| 1st Serve % | 66.2 | 58.6 |
| Service Games Won % | 81.8 | 79.3 |
| Break Points Saved % | 62.9 | 59.7 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 52.9 | 51.1 |
| Break Points Converted % | 44.1 | 39.3 |
Norrie will need to maintain a high first serve percentage given Gasquet’s efficiency on second serve return.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Gasquet has now won a match on tour for the past 20 years and continues to show his impressive consistency and longevity. The Frenchman shows flawless power from the baseline and is looking to try and get back to the world’s top 50 by the end of the year in what could be his final year on tour.
Norrie will look to be aggressive from the baseline and use the slice as well as depth to force errors from the Frenchman. Gasquet will look to use his backhand to open up the court and use his forehand to neutralise Norrie’s power. This should be a good match to end the tournament but if the Brit can keep his high level of overall play then he should have too much for Gasquet.
Prediction: Norrie in straight sets.
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