Gilles Simon defeats Albert Montanes in the second round of Monte Carlo Rolex Masters
Gilles Simon defeated Spanish Albert Montanes in two sets to arrive at the third round of the 2011 Monte Carlo Rolex Masters on Wednesday. Simon, turned pro in 2002, is at a current ranking of world number 24 in the ATP (Association
of Tennis Professionals) singles rankings list. Longing for spot in the finals, the Frenchman looks very optimistic and determined to compete for a Monte Carlo Rolex Masters trophy.
Frenchman couldn’t reach the semi-finals at the Grand Prix Hassan II and Miami Masters, losing to Potito Starace and Roger Federer respectively. His most terrific achievement in the year came at the Medibank International Sydney
where he reached the finals defeating many reputable tennis players like Frederico Gil, Alexandr Dolgopolov and Ernests Gulbis. In finals he moved past Viktor Troicki and tasted the glory of victory for the first time at the tournament.
Playing for the fourth time at the Monte Carlo Masters event, the Frenchman stayed on top of his 30-year-old contender throughout the game, not giving him the chance to break back during the whole competition. Simon recorded 64
percent of points on first serves whereas Montanes remained behind with 61 percent in transfiguration. Montanes hit two aces and transformed two of four break points successfully in the first set. Even though he performed equally well, he lost it with a 3-6
score.
The second set saw a very surprising change, as the 26-year-old, Simon followed to play more forcefully. He picked up his first serves to 56 percent securing a 63 percent win on them. Furthermore, he saved 80 percent breakpoints
in service and 50 percent in return so as to break his opponent twice in the set. Montanes on the other hand, served 47 percent of his first serves to gain an acceptable 50 percent. He won 45 percent service points which were lesser than Simon’s 55 percent.
Given the performance, which was not as good as Simon’s, Montanes suffered defeat and gave up the match in straight sets. This was Simon’s third victory over Montanes, securing his head-to-head lead by 3-1.
Gilles Simon will compete against Andy Murray of Great Britain in the third round of the tournament. This will be the sixth meeting between the players. Pair’s last meeting came at the 2010 Wimbledon Open, where Murray moved past
Simon in three sets. British who is third seed here, moved past Radek Stepanek of Czech Republic to make it this far in the tournament.
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