Gilles Simon faces Argentina's Juan Monaco in round two of the Paris Masters on Wednesday night.
Simon still has a very slim chance of qualifying for the ATP World Finals but like compatriot Gael Monfils, he'll need to win the title to make it happen. However this is pretty unlikely as Simon's never been past the third round, not even in 2008 when he was well inside the top ten.
One of the tour's counter-punchers, Simon has usually been too passive on the fast indoor courts of Bercy and been run ragged by harder hitters. However on the more medium paced surface this year he may stand more of a chance.
It's been an interesting resurgence from the Frenchman this year and if he'd had a better indoor season he may be back inside the top ten already. However while Simon crashed out in the first round of the Valencia Open last week, today's opponent Monaco was on his way to the final.
It was a most unlikely run for the clay loving Argentine but he proved his worth indoors, defeating Nicolas Almagro and David Ferrer. He eased past Donald Young 6-4, 6-2 in the first round here and despite trailing Simon 4-2 on the head-to-head he'll fancy his chances.
Prediction: Monaco in two.
