ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament, The Netherlands

[CR4] Andy Murray (GBR) vs. [CR19] Gilles Simon (FRA)

The last time Simon beat Murray was in 2007.  Since then, despite not exactly having things his own way, Murray has won all other encounters.  Murray was full of confidence coming into this match not only because of his record against Simon but because he has been playing almost at his level prior to the back surgery.

Murray started off slowly and Simon immediately took advantage.  Although Simon had the lead in both sets with multiple breaks, there was always the possibility that Murray would claw his way back into the match.  He came close in the first set, but Simon dug in to hold off the late charge in the first.  The second set was just as highly contested and surprisingly, it was Simon who maintained his focus and executed his shots to beat a frustrated Murray 6-4, 6-2. He stunned Murray today and no doubt, he stunned quite a few fans as well.

This was a good win for Simon, who needed a victory like this to re-affirm his belief that he is still capable of playing and beating the best. Now, can he build on this win and get back the consistency that he used to have before injury derailed him?