Tennis: guest, Richard Gasquet will be able to defend his title in Auckland

Richard Gasquet can be relieved. The 37-year-old Frenchman, 76th in the ATP rankings, could not enter the main draw of the ATP 250 in Auckland even though he is the defending champion. He finally receives an invitation.

The two wild cards were first granted to local Kiranpal Pannu and Frenchman Gaël Monfils, close to tournament director Nicolas Lamperin. Monfils finally qualified thanks to his ranking (74th) after the withdrawal of Adrian Mannarino, still competing with the French team in the United Cup.

Richard Gasquet, one package away from qualifying thanks to his ranking too, is now assured of being able to defend his title obtained last year. The former world No. 7 created a surprise by dominating Briton Cameron Norrie in the final last year 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

The Biterrois, who will have 250 points to defend, could fall below 130th place in the world in the event of a defeat in the first round.

Benjamin Bonzi, Constant Lestienne, Grégoire Barrère, Luca Van Assche and Alexandre Müller will try to obtain a place in the final table during qualifying, Saturday and Sunday. The latter will be opposed in the first round of qualifying to Canadian Denis Shapovalov, 190th in the world, who will make his comeback after six months of absence.