Gilles Simon edges past Danai Udomchoke to second round

Gilles Simon has fought his way into the second round of the Australian Open after being forced to play out five sets against Danai Udomchoke.

Simon got off to a confident start, breaking early in the first set before comfortably taking it 6-1.

The second set went with serve until Udomchoke forced a break late on, eventually sealing the set 6-3.

The third set was again even-handed, with the action going with serve to force a tie-break.

Thailand's Udomchoke got the better of the 12th seed to take the third set and pave the way for a potential upset.

While the 30-year-old battled for a surprise victory, Simon managed to take control of the match and force through a fifth and final set in Melbourne after claiming 6-3 in the fourth.

The Frenchman continued his dominance for the closing stages of the clash after a tough fight from his Thai competitor and booked a spot in the second round of the tournament.