Thiem survives Simon at Rennes Challenger

A couple of ATP Tour regulars went head to head at the Rennes Challenger and the younger Dominic Thiem proved better than Gilles Simon 4-6 6-3 6-2.

Rust was a huge factor in this match for both players as it wasn't a great watch early on. The Austrian saved an early break point and jumped out to a 3-1 lead but Simon battled back. Thiem was unable to establish a good rhythm early struggling in the long rallies that Simon pushed for.

Eventually, that struggle culminated in the finish of the first set which Simon took 6-4. Thiem wasn't happy with the way he played but he had a strong start in the second set. Much more comfortable on the serve and pretty solid on return, Thiem got a chance midway through the set and he took it to take the set 6-3.

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He was in a much better rhythm and was on top of Simon in most rallies. A comeback seemed very likely and it become evident that it would happen early in the 3rd. A 2-0 lead became a 4-0 lead and from there it was a simple journey to finish off the match 6-2.

It was a curious decision from Thiem to play at this challenger but he wants to finish off the year strong and position himself for a return to the top in 2023.