The last matches prior to the Australian Open will take place on Saturday, with titles to be handed out in Auckland and Adelaide. It’s Cameron Norrie vs. Richard Gasquet and Roberto Bautista Agut vs. Soonwoo Kwon.
ASB Classic: Richard Gasquet vs. (2) Cameron Norrie
Norrie is coming off an outstanding 2022 campaign and he has a chance to keep the momentum going with a season-opening title in what amounts to be a home crowd at the ASB Classic. The left-hander is a British citizen and went to college in the United States, but he grew up in New Zealand. With no Kiwis of note on the singles tour, Norrie is the crowd favorite this week. He has delivered with victories over Jiri Lehecka, Marcos Giron, and Jenson Brooksby.
Up next for the world No. 12 on Saturday is Gasquet, who booked his spot in the final by beating Kiranpal Pannu, Joao Sousa, and David Goffin before getting a walkover from fellow Frenchman Constant Lestienne. The 36-year-old has not won an ATP title since 2018 and has played in only one final since 2018 (Umag 2021). This is a considerable step up in competition for Gasquet following three matches against unseeded opponents–one that is likely too steep.
Pick: Norrie in 2
(4) Roberto Bautista Agut vs. (LL) Soonwoo Kwon
Bautista Agut and Kwon will also be going head-to-head for the first time in their careers on Saturday, as they battle for the Adelaide International title. It has been a wild week for Kwon, who was packing his bags for Melbourne after losing in qualifying to Tomas Machac. The 25-year-old got a lucky-loser spot in the main draw when Sebastian Korda withdrew and then got revenge by beating Machac, upset No. 2 seed Pablo Carreno Busta, crushed Mikael Ymer 6-1, 6-2, and then scraped past Jack Draper in three sets.
The story is a much different one for Bautista Agut, who has played half as many matches at this tournament as Kwon (six to three). Bautista Agut followed up a first-round bye with wins over Robin Haase, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and defending champion Thanasi Kokkinakis. The 26th-ranked Spaniard is competing in his 22nd ATP final and is seeking his 12th title. It should happen, as Bautista Agut is the more rested and more experienced player.
Pick: Bautista Agut in 2
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