Faced with the Greek, Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Nice native, Gilles Simon, didn’t stand a chance against the world number 6 who was in steamroller mode (6-1, 6-2, 6-1). A brief appearance and then an exit for Gilles Simon in this first round of the Australian Open.
One less Frenchman in the Australian Open draw! While the women are putting on a show at the start of this Grand Slam, the downfall continues for the men. Following Gaël Monfils’ frustrating defeat and Benoit Paire’s debacle, it was Gilles Simon who fell victim to Stefanos Tsitsipas (6-1, 6-2, 6-1). Rightfully predicted to win on paper, the Greek player made quick work of Gilles Simon. A tennis lesson in 1 hour and 34 minutes.
Gilles Simon didn’t see the light of day
Three short sets, four games, 42 points won—the first Grand Slam of the year turned into a nightmare for Gilles Simon. In the first set, Stefanos Tsitsipas gave his opponent no chance. His match start was perfect. Focused and diligent, the French player was powerless against the precision of the tournament’s 5th seed who won the first five games of the match (5-0). Gilles Simon managed to score his first game before once again facing the formidable serve of the Greek (6-1).
The second set mirrored the first. Overwhelmed and without solutions, the 36-year-old veteran failed to challenge Tsitsipas. The Frenchman had no break points in the match. After breaking his opponent’s serve, the Greek, eager to finish quickly, sped things up by allowing only two games to the world number 66 (6-2).
Gilles Simon was in agony. With gestures of frustration and helpless remarks (“It’s hell”), Gilles Simon gave up in the final set. The native of Nice fell to the “new generation.” On Rod Laver Arena, the spectators enjoyed Tsitsipas’ daring shots in this one-way final set (6-1). A stroll to begin the tournament before facing the Australian Kokkinakis in the next round.
