By Tony Fairbairn

Cameron Norrie [5] def Hugo Gaston [Q] 6-3 6-4
Norrie v Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard | H2H: First Meeting

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – Cameron Norrie eased past Hugo Gaston in straight sets to reach the second round in Auckland where he faces Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

 

 

Cameron Norrie [5] def Hugo Gaston 6-3 6-4

Cameron Norrie is into the second round in Auckland after a straight sets win over Hugo Gaston. After his second round exit in Brisbane, Norrie was determined to put things right this week in New Zealand and the British number two started with two comfortable holds before breaking in the fifth game.

A 3-2 lead had been created and Norrie was proactive as well as aggressive on serve with the Brit only losing one more point on serve. The Frenchman continued to apply consistent pressure on serve but lacked answers on return with Norrie using depth and variety to catch Gaston off-guard. A second break of serve in the ninth game sealed the opening set in 34 minutes for Norrie.

The second set was a closer affair as Gaston showed a much more clinical side to his game and came up clutch in the pressure points. There was severe pressure from Norrie in the fourth game as he created four break points in a marathon game but Gaston held his nerve and took more risks to level the set at 2-2.

However, Gaston had minimal impact on return as he failed to create a single break point in the entire match. This allowed Norrie to be free on return as scoreboard pressure eventually told on the French qualifier. In the tenth game Norrie was resilient and pragmatic as on his fifth break point as well as his first match point, the Brit broke serve to seal his place in the second round in what was an efficient display from the two-time finalist.

 

Cameron Norrie [5] v Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard H2H & Match Fundamentals

Cameron Norrie [5] v Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard   
H2H: First Meeting            

ATP Auckland 2026      
Auckland, New Zealand        

Hard (O)
Prize Money: $12,285

Third on Centre Court (01:30 GMT)   
Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required

Norrie will now face big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard for a place in the quarter-finals.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)

H2H:
Cameron Norrie (WR 28)
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (WR 63)  

Tournament Previous Best
Final (2019, 2023)
N/A         

1st Serve %
66
67.4

Service Games Won %
80.6
89.2

Break Points Saved %
65.5
69.6

2nd Serve Return Points Won %
52.3
35

Break Points Converted %
37.7
31.7

Norrie will need to continue his efficiency on break points against one of the biggest servers on the tour in Mpetshi Perricard.

 

 

Playing Styles and Prediction

Last season was inconsistent for Mpetshi Perricard as he struggled to back up his ranking points and became a little bit too predictable, exposing the Frenchman’s lack of variety. After defeating Tommy Paul in Brisbane, the Frenchman will be hoping he can continue this form as he looks to avoid being too one-dimensional and regain his spot back in the world’s top 50.

Norrie will need to be smart on return as he will look to hit powerful returns and will need to dictate play on his terms. Meanwhile, Mpetshi Perricard will serve big and use the forehand to force Norrie into deeper positions on the court. The faster conditions means that Mpetshi Perricard enters this match as slight favourite but Norrie’s resilience and ability to play one extra ball back could be the key to victory here.

Prediction: Mpetshi Perricard in three sets.

 

 

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