Pune: Gilles Simon’s giant-killing spree culminated in a stupendous title win as he humbled second seed Kevin Anderson in straight sets to lift the inaugural Tata Open Maharashtra tennis tournament singles crown, here Saturday.
The unseeded French player, ranked 89th in the world, tamed big-serving World No. 14 Anderson, 7-6(7-4), 6–2 in the summit clash, watched by a packed house at Balewadi Sports Complex.
Earlier in the tournament Simon had knocked out defending champion and third seed Roberto Bautista Agut before shocking top seed and World No. 6 Marin Cilic en route the final. It was the first title for Simon, since his win at Marseille in February 2015.
The remarkable ease with which Simon positioned himself to receive the serves and returns, made a sight to watch. His effortless court coverage meant that Anderson was locked in long rallies more often than not, something which worked in favour of the French player.
Anderson, the 2017 US Open finalist, struggled to execute his big serve consistently. His returns were also poor and he committed too many unforced errors to trouble his French rival and Simon capitalised on most of them in a match that lasted 96 minutes.
Anderson has a big serve, but that did not bother Simon who used his amazing retrieving skills to dominate points. Games went with serves initially, before Simon hit to two exceptional forehands in the eighth to get his first break. Leading 5-3 and serving for the first set, Simon faced a breakpoint. Anderson was quick to capitalise with a strong forehand and the match was back on serve.
Simon trailed 1-3 in the tie-breaker but soon led 6-4 and nailed the set with a forehand winner which he produced after a sensational 39-shot rally.
Anderson saved three break points in the second game of the second set but an unrelenting Simon broke his rival in the sixth and eighth to seal the win.
Press trust of India
