Gilles Simon

Gilles Simon is a French former professional tennis player known for his tactical intelligence, remarkable consistency, and longevity on the ATP Tour. Over a two-decade career, Simon captured 14 ATP singles titles, reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 6, and was a key member of France’s Davis Cup-winning team in 2017.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Gilles Simon was born on December 27, 1984, in Nice, France, and later resided in Boulogne-Billancourt. Standing 183 cm tall and weighing 70 kg, Gilles Simon played right-handed with a two-handed backhand.

He began playing tennis at age six, supported by his parents—his mother a doctor and his father an insurance professional. A growth delay during his youth inspired Simon to model his game after Michael Chang, proving that agility and intelligence could overcome physical limitations.

Simon is married to Carine Lauret, and together they have two sons, born in 2010 and 2013. Off court, Simon is known for his thoughtful personality and advocacy for mental health in sports.

Career

Simon turned professional in 2002 and steadily climbed the ATP rankings through the Challenger and Futures circuits. His breakthrough came in 2007 with his first ATP title at the Open 13 in Marseille, followed by a second title in Bucharest.

Simon’s career peaked in 2008, when he won three ATP titles, reached the Madrid Masters final, and defeated World No. 1 Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at Masters 1000 events. He attained a career-high singles ranking of No. 6 in January 2009.

Simon reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 2009 and Wimbledon in 2015, and the fourth round at both Roland Garros and the US Open multiple times. He was a semifinalist at the 2008 ATP Tour Finals and a consistent presence in the world’s top 30 for over a decade. Simon’s signature wins include victories over Federer, Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

In doubles, he reached a career-high ranking of No. 117 and the third round of the US Open.

A key figure in French tennis, Simon contributed to France’s 2017 Davis Cup triumph. He retired in 2022 after a celebrated farewell at the Paris Masters.

Career Record

Singles

• Career Titles: 14
• Highest Singles Ranking: No. 6 (January 5, 2009)
• Final Singles Ranking: Unranked (at retirement, July 6, 2025)
• Career Record: 504–394 (56.1%)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – Quarterfinals (2009)
• French Open – 4th Round (2011, 2013, 2015)
• Wimbledon – Quarterfinals (2015)
• US Open – 4th Round (2011, 2014)

Other Tournaments

• Tour Finals – Semifinals (2008)
• Olympic Games – 3rd Round (2008, 2012, 2016)
• Davis Cup – Winner (2017)

Doubles

• Career Titles: 0
• Highest Doubles Ranking: No. 117 (January 28, 2008)
• Final Doubles Ranking: Unranked (at retirement, July 6, 2025)
• Career Record: 42–148 (22.1%)

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – 2nd Round (2008)
• French Open – 2nd Round (2005)
• Wimbledon – 1st Round (2006, 2007)
• US Open – 3rd Round (2007)

Mixed Doubles

• Career Record: 2–4
• Best Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Performance: French Open – 2nd Round (2008)

Other Tournaments

• Hopman Cup – Round Robin (2009)