In a few days, from May 20 to 26, 2012, the third edition of the Open Nice Côte d’Azur will kick off for a new edition that could very well once again favor a French player, following Richard Gasquet’s victory in the first edition three years ago. The local favorite, Nice native Gilles Simon, will be one of the main contenders for the tournament, coming off a semi-final in Monaco and a title in Budapest.
However, Gilles Simon will not be the only Frenchman to watch during this 2012 edition of the Open Nice Côte d’Azur. Richard Gasquet, who was the unfortunate finalist in Estoril last weekend, losing to Del Potro (6-4, 6-2), and Benoît Paire, who was also defeated in his first ATP final in Belgrade by the Italian Andreas Seppi (6-3, 6-2), will have their say on the Nice clay after succumbing on the Portuguese and Serbian courts. Roger-Vasselin, Mannarino, Mahut, Prodon, and Serra will also try to defy their current rankings and, perhaps, cause an upset by nearing the final four.
A purely French final
Of course, a Simon-Gasquet final would be a wonderful cherry on top of this Nice cake, with everyone wanting to claim the best slice. However, one must not forget about the likes of Almagro, Isner, and Davydenko, among others, who will show no mercy for their opponents, especially the French players who will undeniably have the support of the Nice public.
Exciting clashes are anticipated on the courts of Nice LTC and its main court, which will be lit for the first time in the tournament’s history since some matches will take place at night.
Another reason for the French players to be in the spotlight!
For more information: [www.opennicecotedazur.com](https://www.opennicecotedazur.com)
