AUCKLAND (Reuters) - New Zealand-raised Briton Cameron Norrie stormed into the final of the Auckland Open with a 6-3 6-4 win over Jenson Brooksby on Friday, continuing his unbeaten start to the season ahead of the Australian Open.
The world number 12 will face Richard Gasquet for the title on Saturday after the French veteran was awarded a walkover in his semi-final against compatriot Constant Lestienne, who withdrew with a shoulder injury.
Norrie lost only a single point on his own serve in the opening set and was all over the American’s, finally achieving the breakthrough that all but assured him of the set after Brooksby had saved five break points.
Despite a wrist problem that needed an injury timeout, Brooksby made the second seed work hard for the victory in the second set but every time he asked a question, Norrie had an answer.