Gilles Simon reached the round of 16 at the Paris Rolex Masters in the final tournament of his career after his 7-5 5-7 6-4 win over Taylor Fritz after 3 hours and 6 minutes to the delight of his home fans.
Simon broke for the first time in the first game of the opening set. Fritz broke straight back in the second game to draw level to 1-1. Simon saved three break points in the 10th game before breaking in the 11th game on his third opportunity to take the first set 7-5
Simon earned an early break to take a 2-1 lead in the second set. Fritz broke straight back before saving three break points at 5-5. Fritz earned a break to win the second set 7-5 forcing the match to the decider.
Simon converted his only break point in the ninth game to take a 5-4 lead and served out the win in the next game on his first match point.
