Just four men remain in the ASB Classic in Auckland as the semifinal matches are set to commence on Friday. No. 2 seed Cameron Norrie is the only remaining seeded player in the field as he looks to raise his fifth ATP title. First, he must get past young American Jenson Brooksby, who has looked terrific this week. In the other semifinal, we have a matchup between Frenchmen Richard Gasquet and Constant Lestienne. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for both matches. But who will advance?
ATP Auckland Semifinal Predictions
Richard Gasquet vs Constant Lestienne
Head-to-head: Gasquet 1-0 Lestienne
Veterans Richard Gasquet and Constant Lestienne make up this all-French semifinal matchup in Auckland. The two have played one time previously, with Gasquet getting the better of Lestienne 6-4 6-2 back in 2018. Neither Gasquet nor Lestienne had to face a player ranked inside the top 50 to get to this semifinal. Gasquet is looking for his first ATP hard court final appearance since Feb. 2018. Lestienne is on the brink of his first-ever ATP final appearance.
Lestienne has played some of the best tennis of his career over the past 12 months. He is confidently striking the ball, moving his opponents around the court, and not forcing winners. I believe he will give Gasquet fits when it comes to the longer rallies in the match. I favor the younger Frenchmen to advance to his first career final in what should be a back-and-forth match.
Prediction: Lestienne in 3
Cameron Norrie vs Jenson Brooksby
Head-to-head: Norrie 1-0 Brooksby
Cameron Norrie and Jenson Brooksby are set to square off with a spot in the Auckland final on the line. Norrie dominated their only previous meeting, a 6-2 6-4 victory last year at Indian Wells. Norrie has started his 2023 season in excellent form. The Brit won all three of his United Cup matches, notching victories over Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, and Rafael Nadal. This week Norrie was pushed to deciding sets in wins over Jiri Lehecka and Marcos Giron. That said, he comfortably pulled out those third sets and is the favorite to raise the title in Auckland.
Brooksby has defeated Fabio Fognini, Diego Schwartzman (via retirement), and Quentin Halys to reach the semifinals this week. It’s Brooksby’s seventh ATP semifinal appearance. The 22-year-old has shown a propensity to the hard courts during his young career. Brooksby’s quirky style of play is challenging for some players to deal with, but I believe Norrie is consistent and patient enough to break through the American. Another interesting note: Brooksby is 0-8 in his last eight matches against lefties.
Prediction: Norrie in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
