Auckland Raised Cam Norrie Seeking 2019 ATP Auckland Title
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The 250 in Auckland is New Zealand’s only ATP event, it’s preceded by the WTA ASB Classic at the same venue. with both tournaments serving as prep for the Australian Open. With the early rounds complete, who will prevail in the final?

Quarterfinals

Taylor Fritz vs Cam Norrie

The young American Fritz battles the Auckland raised Brit Norrie in a big match for both players. Fritz has knocked off two big servers, Marius Copil and compatriot John Isner (the top seed) to reach the quarters. Norrie upset Benoit Paire and Joao Sousa to reach this point. Norrie will have home support, but Fritz should be slightly favored if his game can stay consistent.

Pablo Carreno Busta vs JL Struff

Both players had easy paths to this point, PCB got a walkover against David Ferrer, while Struff beat Laslo Djere with a retirement and then Jose Statham, who had upset Hyeon Chung in the previous round. PCB is the better player and should be in good shape to advance from this match.

Leonardo Mayer vs Tennys Sandgren

Both players needed to find form and will be pleased with their results thus far. Mayer upset Steve Johnson and Matteo Berrettini, while Sandgren defeated Max Marterer and Marco Cecchinato. This should be a competitive match, with the experienced Mayer a slight favorite.

Philipp Kohlschreiber vs Fabio Fognini

Two skilled veterans, Kohli hasn’t dropped a set in wins against Bradley Klahn and Ugo Humbert, and he dominates the h2h against the Italian. Fognini barely beat Peter Gojowczyk, and I expect Kohlschreiber to reach the semis from this matchup.

Semis
Carreno Busta d. Fritz
Kohlschreiber d. Mayer

This is PCB’s tournament to lose, Kohlschreiber has great history in Auckland though and is also favored to reach the final.

Final
Carreno Busta d. Kohlschreiber