ATP: Final victory against Simon: Thiem travels to the French Open with Lyon titles

Dominic Thiem won the ATP tournament in Lyon. In the final, the 24-year-old defeated local hero Gilles Simon in three sets and travels to Paris with an extra dose of self-confidence to the French Open.

For Thiem, the final in Lyon was the last test before the big showdown in Paris. Throughout the week, the Lichtenwörther presented himself in a tasting mood and tested his entire repertoire.

Thiem coach Günter Bresnik saw a changed serve position, kick-serve to the outside or one drop shot after the other. Now the week should end with the title and an extra boost of self-confidence should be taken to the French Open.

Thiem’s plan, however, did not want final opponent Gilles to let Simon get away without a fight. The Frenchman plays intelligently and can make up for the speed difference to Thiem with his extensive experience.

The old champion did an excellent job at the beginning of the game and the local hero worked out two break points early on, which Thiem was able to fend off with two great points.

Simon seemed very focused in the early stages and was the better player. The 33-year-old played flat basic strokes and didn’t give Thiem any rhythm. Consequently, Simon took the first break of the match and took the lead 4-2.

Thiem seemed annoyed, complained about his mistakes and scolded himself. Simon took his chance and served without any problems to win 6:3 sets.

The favourite seemed to have been overwhelmed with his opponent’s game and had to take the next setback right at the beginning of the second set. Simon played extremely constantly and took the first service game from Thiem.

Thiem ran after the early deficit and could not get to the service games of the experienced player. Worn by the spectators Simon played partly like in his best times and surprised his younger opponent with great winners.

The music of the film series Pirates of the Caribbean, which matched Thiem’s game, was played from the ranks. The final day seemed to be bewitched for the Lower Austrian. Thiem left three break points to equalise and could not set any decisive accents.

Yet Thiem did not get up and fought his way into the game. In a long service game Simon made too many mistakes and the favourite took his chance to break and then took the lead 5:4. The decision in the second round was finally made in the tiebreak.

This started with a mini-break for Simon, which seemed physically full on the height. Thiem, however, could not be shaken off and regained the break with two points in a row.

The 24-year-old then played well and won the second round with a clear 7-2 in the tiebreak. The decision for the title in Lyon was made in the third round.

The decisive set was a clear matter for the 24-year-old, who could immediately take Simon off the serve and extend the lead to 3-0. With a clear 6:1 in the third set, Thiem grabbed his second title of the season and travels to the French Open in Paris with an extra dose of self-confidence.