Gilles Simon sees off Benoit Paire in Monte Carlo Masters second round

Tenth seed Gilles Simon has secured a spot in round three of the Monte Carlo Masters with a straight-sets win over fellow Frenchman Benoit Paire.

The compatriots both struggled to hold serve during the opening set, sharing seven breaks between them, but it was Simon who eventually battled through 6-4.

It was a similar story in the second as a total of nine break points were brought up by the two players, and Simon prevailed once more to claim a 6-4 7-5 victory.

The former Australian Open quarter-finalist will take on fifth seed David Ferrer in the next round.