Gilles Simon is the latest star signing on to start his 2010 season in Brisbane.
The 24 year old will join compatriot Gael Monfils, former No.1 Andy Roddick and crowd favourite James Blake in the men’s draw.
Confirming his attendance at the Brisbane International today, Simon said he was excited to be travelling to Brisbane in 2010 and cannot wait to see what the city has to offer.
“I have heard quite a lot from my friends on the tour about the Brisbane International,” Simon said.
“They have told me that it is a great tournament, a fantastic place to visit and that the people are very friendly.
”With the same court surface as the Australian Open, the new stadium and facilities and temperatures similar to that in Melbourne, I cannot wait to start my 2010 campaign at the Brisbane International.”
Brisbane International Tournament Director Steve Ayles said Simon will be a great addition to the tournament in January.
“Simon has won six career titles and has been a finalist on two other occasions. He was also a quarterfinalist at the Australian Open in 2009,” Ayles said.
“Simon will be a welcome addition to the men’s draw at the Brisbane International and I look forward to seeing him in action in January.”
Currently ranked No.12, Simon’s highest ranking of No.6 was recorded on 5 January 2009.
The Frenchman is one of the four men to beat Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic since they assumed No.1, No.2 and No.3 positions; the others being Andy Roddick, Andy Murray and David Nalbandian.
He is currently the second highest ranked French player after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who is No.9, and he is coached by French tennis veteran Thierry Tulasne.
Simon began playing tennis at age six and as a junior he was inspired by Michael Chang, saying, “He showed me that you don’t have to be tall in order to be a great player.”
His favourite French player of all-time is Cedric Pioline and his friends on tour include fellow Frenchmen Gael Monfils, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Josselin Ouanna.
Brisbane International 2010 series packages and single sessions are on sale now. Ground passes remain $9.90 with the qualifying event on Friday 1–2 January 2010 remaining free.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.