Gilles Simon triumphs in German Open

French fifth seed Gilles Simon collected his ninth career title when he defeated Spanish claycourt specialist Nicolas Almagro, the third seed, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 under the roof here on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Simon, who had also won in Sydney in January, had knocked out top seeded compatriot Gael Monfils in the quarter-finals and will rise to 11 in the world when the new rankings are released on Monday.

"I had to play my best tennis to win such a tough final," said Simon, after his fourth victory in three sets at the tournament.

The bad weather in the German city meant that the roof over the Rothenbaum Tennis Centre was closed as Simon became the first Frenchman since Henri Leconte 25 years ago to win the title.