Gilles Simon is now retired since a few years, but what was Gilles Simon’s tennis racquet? And what did you think of the Frenchman’s game?

Gilles Simon Tennis Racquet

Despite looking like Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in the above pic, Frenchman Gilles Simon is not known for a modern power game, but rather utilizing his opponent’s power to create a counter-attack.

He won 12 ATP tour titles and was once a top ten player.

Simon endorses the legendary Head Prestige series in a Prestige XT paint job. But underneath the paint job is a PT57A, a model used by many players on tour and most famously Andy Murray (in 16×19 pattern). The PT57A is the pro stock mould of the Head Pro Tour 630 made famous by among others Thomas Muster many years ago.

Simon is one of the few players on the ATP tour who didn’t string his racquet with a co-poly string. Instead, he used the Head IntelliTour 16 multifilament string. Simon wore Adidas tennis apparel and used a Head Pro overgrip.

You can read more about Gilles Simon’s career below.

Early Life and Background

Gilles Simon was born on December 27, 1984, in Nice, France. From a young age, he showed immense interest in tennis and soon began training to pursue the sport professionally.

Professional Career

• Beginnings: Simon turned professional in 2002. He spent the initial years of his career on the Challenger and Futures circuits, honing his skills and gaining experience.
• Breakthrough: Gilles Simon’s breakthrough on the ATP Tour came in the mid-2000s. By 2007, he had already won two ATP titles, indicating his potential to be a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world.
• Peak Years: The years 2008 and 2009 were particularly notable for Simon. In 2008, he secured wins against several top players, including Rafael Nadal, and finished the year ranked No. 7 in the world. He also qualified for the year-end ATP Finals in both 2008 and 2009, an indication of his consistent performance throughout the season.
• Playing Style: Simon is known for his counter-punching style, superb fitness, and strategic game. He often relied on his ability to move opponents around the court and wait for errors, making him a tough competitor, especially on slower surfaces.
• ATP Titles: Over the course of his career, Simon won more than a dozen ATP singles titles, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level and claim titles.

Grand Slam Performance

While Gilles Simon did not win a Grand Slam title, he had strong showings in these prestigious tournaments:

• Australian Open: Reached the fourth round multiple times.
• French Open: Simon’s best performance came when he reached the fourth round on several occasions.
• Wimbledon: Achieved his best result by advancing to the quarterfinals.
• US Open: Advanced to the fourth round in this hard court Grand Slam.

Personal Life

Beyond the tennis court, Simon has been vocal about various sports topics, including player equality and tournament conditions. He also published an autobiography about his life, tennis career, and personal reflections.

Later Career and Retirement

As with many players, age and the game’s physical demands began to take their toll on Simon. While he continued to participate in ATP Tour events and remained a formidable opponent, his rankings slipped in the latter part of his career.

Legacy

Gilles Simon will be remembered as one of the finest tennis talents to emerge from France during his era. His consistent performances, intelligence on the court, and resilience made him a favorite among tennis aficionados. He also played a role in France’s Davis Cup endeavors, contributing to their strong tennis tradition.

While this biography provides a comprehensive overview of Gilles Simon’s tennis career, there are many more intricate details and moments that shaped his journey on and off the court.