David Ferrer thinks he is in for a "long match" with Gilles Simon

David Ferrer has said that he is expecting a tough match against Gilles Simon in the Australian Open third round.

Ferrer made a disappointing start, but managed to beat Sergiy Stakhovsky in four sets in their second-round encounter, and he will now come up against Simon, who he has a good record against.

He told reporters: "It is going to be a very tough match against Gilles. He is a very strong player, when I play with him it is a very close match and I think we will have good rallies. My fitness is very important and I must prepare for a long match."

Ferrer is seeded ninth in Australia.