Simon keeps it simple

Gilles Simon The French challenge in the men’s singles now rests exclusively with 24-year-old Gilles Simon who is their lone survivor after his straight sets win over Victor Hanescu of Romania. Looking totally at ease on grass, Simon beat Hanescu 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 in one hour and 27 minutes to reach the fourth round for the first time. It is the second time this year that Simon has reached the last 16 of a Grand Slam after being a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open where he lost to Rafael Nadal. The eighth seed prospered in all areas of the court and his ace count of 11 was one of the reasons why he could feel so comfortable. By getting to the third round, Hanescu matched his best performance at Wimbledon. But the wide range of Simon’s attack, which allowed him few opportunities, ensured that he would go no further. The only time Hanescu was able to dig in and challenge Simon was in the second set when the Romanian led 5-4 on serve. But the Frenchman ran off three games for the set helped by an inch-perfect forehand down the line to break serve. Simon has never won three matches in succession on grass but today demonstrated he is in good enough form to earn a place in the second week. Court 3 - Gentlemen's Singles - 3rd Round Victor Hanescu ROU (31) 2 5 2 Gilles Simon FRA (8) 6 7 6