Frenchman Gilles Simon captured his third BRD Natase Tiriac trophy yesterday as he beat Italy's Fabio Fognini in straight sets 6-4,6-3. Gilles has always played well here and did not disappoint again. His previous two wins came in 2007 and then again in 2008 where he beat Carlos Moya in the final. His record at the ATP World Tour clay-court tournament now stands at 15-1.
"It’s great," said Simon. "I played a great match today. It was very difficult; Fabio played well and I had to run a lot today. You really have the feeling that you are never in control of the game. I’m always happy when I win a tournament like this because sometimes people think it will be easy when you’re the No. 1 seed, but on the court it’s very close every time. I’m very proud to win this tournament for the third time and to bring the trophy back home."
In an unusual first set, Simon beat Fognini after five breaks of serve were exchanged between the two players. In the second, the Frenchman broke the Italian two more times to finish the match in just under two hours. The top-seed at the tournament - Simon, saved 10 out of the 12 break points that he faced. It was the World No.12's 10th ATP World Tour title and his fifth on clay.
Fognini on the other hand was aiming at becoming the first player to win his maiden ATP title. The Italian had already upset former Autralian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis and sixth seed Andreas Seppi on his way to the final. The Italian now has 6/6 win/loss record this season.
"I’m upset because I lost the final," said Fognini. "I had my chances, but he has played more finals than me and is more experienced. Maybe next time I will have the chance to win the tournament. It’s been a good week. I’m happy that I played great tennis; it was just my third tournament after the injury."