Fernando Verdasco edges out Gilles Simon in Paris

Fernando Verdasco defeated home favourite Gilles Simon 6-3 4-6 6-4 to advance through to the third round of the Paris Masters this afternoon.

It was expected that Simon would win the encounter, but Spaniard Verdasco claimed the opening set in just 33 minutes thanks to one break of serve.

Simon rallied in the second set to force a decider, but he was unable to build upon that momentum.

In putting himself 5-4 in front, Verdasco appeared to roll his ankle, but that did not hamper him as he broke in the next game to wrap up the victory in five minutes short of two hours.

The 30-year-old will now face either David Ferrer, David Goffin or Lukas Rosol in the next round.