Gilles Simon defeats local favourite Benjamin Balleret to advance in Monte Carlo

Gilles Simon has eased into the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters with a straight-sets win over local hopeful Benjamin Balleret this afternoon.

Simon, a first-round casualty in each of the last two years, ended his barren spell in the principality by beating Monaco-born Balleret 6-4 6-2 in 74 minutes.

Balleret gave his supporters plenty to cheer about early on by inflicting a break of serve in the fourth game to move into a 3-1 lead.

The Frenchman hit back with two breaks of his own to move 4-3 ahead, before ultimately sealing the first set by a two-game margin.

Balleret's service game was broken again in the third game of the second set as Simon, a former semi-finalist in Monte Carlo, moved into a 2-1 lead.

There was no stopping the 30-year-old from there as he comfortably advanced into the next stage.