Arthur Fils vs Richard Gasquet Prediction & Betting Tips - ASB Classic

Prediction published on 08/01/2024, 05:12  by Kennedy Kechula in Tennis Predictions

Richard Gasquet will play sixth seed Arthur Fils in the first round to begin the defence of his title in Auckland. The winner here will then advance to battle Nuno Borges for a place in the quarterfinals. Arthur Fils is coming off a quarterfinal finish in Hong Kong. It was a positive start to the year and he will hope to build on this and probably challenge for the title here. Having defeated Gasquet before, the young Frenchman will be confident of a win. Fils defeated Gasquet in their only other previous encounter last season in Montpellier. The 19-year-old, who has compiled a 10-8 record on hard courts in his career, is currently ranked 36th in the live ranking.

Richard Gasquet won the title here last season. It was his only title triumph of the year and ended a five-year wait for a tour title. He therefore will be eager to again be the last man left standing. The veteran Frenchman is also coming off a quarterfinal finish to start the season. Gasquet was defeated in the last eight in Noumea in the challenger circuit. Now aged 37, Gasquet is in his 22nd year as a pro and has won 16 tour titles. He has compiled a 238-157 record on hard courts and won half of his 18 matches on the surface last season. The former world number seven is currently down 55 places in the live ranking to number 131. A prolonged run here is therefore imperative as he seeks to defend the points he won last year.