ATP Lyon: Simon begins his quest for the Lyon title

Lyon , France – Second seed Gilles Simon is set to open his bid for the Grand Prix de Lyon title against Simone Bolelli of Italy. Simon will be looking to get his week off to a positive start and give the French fans something to cheer about early on.

Tennis Betting Line: Simone Bolelli +400 Gilles Simon -700

Match Time: 02:00 P.M. Eastern Time Wednesday October 28, 2009

Tennis Betting Verdict: It will be the second time that Gilles Simon and Simone Bolelli go head-to-head when they collide in the first round on Wednesday. Bolelli got into the win column in their only previous encounter when he beat Simon 6-4, 6-4 at the Rome Masters last season. Going on their current form and respective seasons though Simon looks like he will settle that score.

Simon has totted up a tally of 39-26 on the season – a modest result but not nearly as good as last season, which is why he has dropped out of the top ten this season to No.12. Still there have been encouraging results lately for the Frenchman that suggest he might be heading back in a positive direction in these next few weeks.

Simon picked up his first title on the season last month in Bangkok, beating Viktor Troicki to the prize 7-5, 6-3. He followed up with a second round finish in Tokyo and a quarterfinal finish in Shanghai. Overall, since falling in the third round of the US Open, Simon has gone 7-2 in tournament action.

Bolelli currently weighs in at No. 72. It has been a downhill season for the Italian since reaching a career high ranking in February at No.36. And he arrives in Lyon, with an underwhelming tally of 15-21. Most concerning for Bolelli is the fact that he is on a four-match losing streak spanning all competitions and circuits since New Haven in August where he finished in the third round.

Given the current circumstances in both camps, one has to give the edge to Simon. There is little to suggest in Bolelli’s form that he might be a threat. Moreover, Simon will have the added weight of home edge. The crowd will be firmly behind him ready to carry him into the second round. Simon should take this match rather easily.