| |
Frenchman Gilles Simon defeated Viktor Troicki to claim the Thailand Open. He registered a 7-5, 6-3 win over the Serb on Sunday. Tenth seeded Simon is battling for one of eight places in the ATP World Tour Finals in London next month. Simon claimed the sixth trophy of his career but first in more than a year with his performance over the Serb ranked 32nd.
Simon last won on clay in Romania in September, 2008. He lost the Madrid Masters final to Andy Murray a year ago.
Simon is the second Frenchman after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to win in Bangkok.
Troicki had defeated Tsonga in the semi-finals to reserve a place in the second final of his career.
Simon said, “I’ve been feeling good and playing well all week. I knew victory over Victor would be tough.”
"I got a difficult match but I found a way to win. I really enjoyed myself today," said the winner who struck seven aces and broke three times.
Simon made a good start by winning the first game with an ace, then losing a break in the tenth game before breaking Troicki once more to end the set after 45 minutes.
Simon increased the pressure on the Serb in the second game, delivering a pair of love games and finishing the job with a concluding break on second match point when Troicki went wide on a return.
Simon said,"It's late in the year, but it's still good to get my first title of 2009.”
"It is never easy to win a tournament, I feel really good about this one. I wish Victor better luck in his next final.”
"It was perfect for me this week. I've worked hard in the last few months, especially with my knee injury. It was tough to get ready for this event but I played really well."
Troicki expressing both pride and disappointment at his week said,"I'm sorry I wasn't able to win. Simon played great and didn't give me a chance. But I've still had a good week. My highlight was beating Tsonga in the semis.”
"He's a top ten player, and those are the kinds of wins that I need to get better. I'm very pleased to have reached my second final."
Simon will continue the Asian swing by playing as third seed in Tokyo from Monday. Troicki will next play in Beijing.
