ATP Paris-Bercy: Why Gilles Simon is not only happy about the opening win
Gilles Simon celebrated a first win at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris-Bercy with a big comeback against Andy Murray - and thus extended his career by at least one match. Why the Frenchman is not only happy about this fact.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Nov 02, 2022, 08:46 am
Of course, there was great joy when Gilles Simon converted his first match point late on Monday evening and made the big comeback against former number one Andy Murray perfect. A success in front of a frenetic, but for a long time also somewhat unsportsmanlike Parisian home audience. And a success that means that Gilles Simon will extend his career by at least one match - the ATP Masters 1000 event in the French capital is the last tournament in the 37-year-old's long career.
The victory over Murray, of course it was a special one, especially since the Frenchman had only won twice in the last 18 duels with the Scot: "It was very difficult to beat him. In my whole career I've lost every time, when I was close to making it, so I'm glad it was the other way around this time," said Simon , who had mixed feelings about walking away as the winner.
"Would have been nice to stop tonight"
"It would have been nice to stop tonight because I'm afraid I'm not at the right level for the next game. I'm tired. I've had a very long day. I'll try to recover well tomorrow to have my day and to use the time until the next game as well as possible," explained the 37-year-old. "I have a lot of mixed feelings that are contradictory. Of course I want to win but part of me can't wait to stop because it's so hard."
Because already in round two the 37-year-old has a tough nut to crack in Taylor Fritz, especially since the American is still fighting for a ticket for the season finale in Turin. For which the youngster also needs a good performance in Paris-Bercy. And thus a victory over the old master. "The next round will be even more difficult with Taylor starting at 220 on the second serve so I have to be ready from the start."