Incredible Gilles Simon! While his first participation in the tournament dates back to 2005, the man from Nice is now playing in the semi-finals for the 5th time in his career. This has not happened to him since 2015, when he won his last title in Marseille. And while he ousted world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals, Gillou is now taking on No. 18 Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian has not had an easy ride since the beginning of the week, even having to save match points in his first two rounds. Gilles Simon knows that the mission will be difficult. " Felix, I played him in Stuttgart last year, I lost in two sets. He's a very strong player and it's going to be a different match than the one against Daniil (Medvedev). I have to find my rhythm quickly. For some time now, I've been able to be more regular, more consistent in terms of my attitude and that's good. I feel good on the court. "
Gilles Simon has always felt good in Marseille, a tournament he won in 2007 and 2015, which is not the case for his opponent today. Before arriving this year, FAA had not won a single match on the Palais des Sports court. " It's great to be playing in this tournament and still be alive heresaid Auger-Aliassime, a finalist last week in Rotterdam. But Gilles is in good shape, I expect him to be at his best. We'll have to be ready to exchange, to serve well. It's going to be a tough match. "
Tsitsipas, working for the long haul
The other semi-final is between defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Bublik. The two players, born in 1998 and 1997 respectively, know each other well having played regularly on the junior circuit. And according to Alexander Bublik (55th), it is logical that Tsitsipas (6th) has a head start on him. " When I was young, I was really talented so I could play on one leg, without workinghe explained. Stefanos was already acting like a pro when he was a junior. I only understand now that it is important, because I have to earn a living, but also because I realise that I have a lot of ego. "
While Bublik has two Tour finals under his belt, Tsitsipas has already won four titles, including the 2019 Masters. Last year, he won in Marseille. Reflective, cerebral, he already has his tactics in mind for the rest of the tournament, but not only. Above all, I must not think too much about Alexander, I must focus on myself and my game. I really have to impose this rule on myself, play each point after the other and why not surprise him too! What counts today, whatever the match, is that I play each point as if it were an important one, giving it the same concentration. "A tactic that has paid off so far.
