Richard Gasquet wins the ASB Classic in Auckland after beating Britain’s Cameron Norrie.
The 36-year-old Frenchman defeated Norrie in the final of the New Zealand tournament by a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 and 6-4 in 2 hours and 28 minutes with a comeback included. It is the sixteenth title for Gasquet, who won his last trophy on the grass of ‘s Hertogenbosch in 2018.
“It’s an unbelievable title for me, especially now at my age,” Gasquet said. “I really didn’t think I would win a title again.”
As a result, Gasquet becomes the oldest player to win in New Zealand in the tournament’s 66-year history. This victory moves him up 25 places in the ATP rankings to 42nd on the eve of the Australian Open. In the first round he will face compatriot Ugo Humbert, ranked 108th in the world. If he wins, his next opponent will be, barring a surprise, Nick Kyrgios if he beats Russian Roman Safiullin.
