Simon ends title drought

Gilles Simon ended his wait for a seventh ATP title with victory over qualifier Mischa Zverev in the final of the Metz International.

Frenchman powers to victory in Metz

Gilles Simon ended his wait for a seventh ATP title with a straight-sets victory over German qualifier Mischa Zverev in the final of the Metz International. The Frenchman, seeded eighth for the indoor event, was in ruthless form as he romped to a 6-3 6-2 victory in front of his home fans. Simon held his serve throughout the 67-minute contest, firing down nine aces as he claimed his first tour win in almost a year. Zverev, who reached the final after Richard Gasquet withdrew from their last four clash the previous day, looked overwhelmed in his first career final and was always under pressure, saving seven of 10 break points. Speaking after the match, a delighted Simon said: "I have a special thought for my partner because she was worried coming to Metz with our child Thimothee, who was born three weeks ago. "She was worried that I would sleep less and that it would disturb me. I think (today's win) was the best of all answers."