Dominic Thiem to meet Gilles Simon in round one of a challenger in Rennes

Not long ago Dominic Thiem and Gilles Simon were regulars at the top however in 2022, they will meet in round one of a challenger.

It's nothing against Thiem or Simon as there is no shame in playing a challenger it mostly shows how much they still both enjoy tennis. Simon has been out of the top for a while now as his age has caught up with him and the playstyle he always played doesn't really fit with his age anymore.

Still, class is class and this year he actually beat Pablo Carreno Busta, a consistent top 20-30 level player at Roland Garros in a five-setter. For Thiem, it's been injury problems for the most part. Two years ago he was a grand slam champion but this year it's been slow progress towards his former self.

He's still not there hence why there is need for more practice and more matches. It will come in Rennes at the challenger event next week where he will play Simon in round one. Neither is a seed at the event either with Thiem receiving a wild card entry.