Gilles Simon saves final thanks for wife after retirement: "I am so happy to tell you that it's over now and I'll be there"

Gilles Simon said goodbye to tennis at the Paris Masters losing to Felix Auger-Aliassime 1-6 3-6 in his final career match.

Simon was expected to only play one match as he faced Andy Murray in the opening round of the event. He won that match and then added another victory to set up this clash, the one that finally proved to be his last one.

He saved his final words to his wife who was in the stands:

"My wife is hiding in the stands. She should have been on the court. Thank you for everything. I know how difficult all this was for you. I am finishing (this speech) with you, because otherwise it would have been too hard.All these moments when you were proud of me, or you wanted me to stop. All these arrivals at the hotel at 2 in the morning."

He added:

"We both know how difficult this role in the background can be. I am so happy to tell you that it's over now. I will be there. I thank you for letting me live my passion for so long. It was so important to know that everything was being handled perfectly at home. I love you with all my heart and thank you for it all."