​At the age of 36, Richard Gasquet proves that he can still play tennis at the highest level: the Frenchman, the former world number seven, won the ATP 250 tournament in Auckland.

Richard Gasquet, Auckland ATP champion

Currently ranked No. 67 in the ATP rankings, Gasquet defeated Britain’s Cameron Norrie (ATP No. 12, second favorite) in the final of the event in New Zealand 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. The game lasted two hours and 27 minutes.

During the Auckland tournament, Richard also surpassed Kiranpal Panna (575 ATP, wildcard), Joao Souza (82 ATP), David Goffen (53 ATP) and Constant Lestien (65 ATP, eliminated).

This is Gasquet’s 16th career title, the first after almost five years of waiting (he last won in Hertogenbosch in June 2018). The French played in 17 more finals.

In the first round of the 2023 Australian Open, Richard Gasquet will play against his compatriot Hugo Humbert (108 ATP), while Cameron Norrie will also face France’s Luca van Asche (142 ATP).