Gilles Simon and Alexandr Dolgopolov are set to meet on Saturday for an eagerly awaited semi-final at the Brisbane InternationalYou can watch and bet on Simon v Dolgopolov live for free at bet365 > live tennisGilles Simon is emerging as a major contender for the Brisbane International title after winning his opening three matches without dropping a set. The Frenchman worked his way past Santiago Giraldo in the last eight, beating the Colombian 7-6(2), 6-4 to earn his berth in the semi-finals, where he will meet Alexandr Dolgopolov.
"I think we played a high level from the very first game," said Simon after his clash with Giraldo. It was difficult but I think I was stronger than him physically and finally he started to miss a lot. I got some easy points at times and I felt that I had more opportunities than him. I won the tiebreak and I think it is always important to win the tiebreak when you've been playing for more than an hour.”
Simon is happy with how he’s playing at the moment. “I'm feeling good, I'm moving better and better every day,” continued the world No. 12. "It's already been a good tournament because I've played three good matches so it's a good preparation for Melbourne. But at the moment I'm just focusing on what I have to do here. I have very good players to beat in the next two matches and I will first see if I am able to do it."
Dolgopolov was tested by Radek Stepanek on Thursday, but he was just about able to squeeze through with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 win. The 23 year-old is one of the biggest talents on the ATP World Tour, and Simon can expect a real battle when the pairing meet on court on Saturday. This could be one of the best matches of the week.
