New father Simon wins all-HEAD final in Metz

Frenchman Gilles Simon claimed the seventh title of his career as he triumphed in a battle of HEAD racquet rebels in Metz, France, defeating Germany's Mischa Zverev 6-3, 6-2. Simon, playing with a YouTek Prestige MP, brought his new family along for the week. It was his first victory after two losses to Zverev.

The week was joyful for Simon, who not only came good after a long run of knee injuries over the past year, but also spent time with his infant son, born on September 2 while his father was playing the US Open. "I'm extremely happy about this seventh title," said the winner, who won his last trophy a year ago in Bangkok.

"I wasn't supposed to come here initially, I hadn't entered any tournaments. Because I had been playing well, also in the Davis Cup preparation, I really wanted to try to compete and really wanted to come to Metz. I knew I could do something good."

Simon said staying with the family was a leap of faith - but one which paid off well. "I didn’t know how it was going to be, if (his new-born son) would keep me up at night, but in the end, the result is perfect. Everything went very well and I am delighted to get to share this title with my family."

Zverev, ranked 155, was playing in his first final. "I was really excited, but he played really well. He was aggressive from the baseline and served unbelievably. I couldn’t do much today."

Richard Gasquet from France was the third HEAD racquet rebel to reach the semi final at Metz where he wanted to reach his fourth ATP World Tour final this season and 15th of his career. But minutes before the match against Zverev, he had to withdraw with a fever. “It’s very unfortunate and I am sad not to be able to compete here today," said Gasquet, who reached the Metz final in 2004. "I wasn’t feeling good yesterday and the fever came during the night. I didn’t sleep well at all. I tried to warm up this morning but I had to stop after 10 minutes.”