Gilles Simon defeats Alejandro Falla in straight sets at Miami Masters

Gilles Simon has advanced to the last 16 of the Miami Masters after defeating Alejandro Falla 6-3 6-4.

Both players held serve in the early stages to bring the score to 3-3, but Simon won three games on the bounce and broke Falla's serve in game eight on his way to taking the first set.

The pair traded breaks at the start of the second set, with Simon taking the lead after breaking to love in game seven. The Frenchman lost on match point in game nine, but despatched his opponent in the following game.

Simon will face seventh seed David Ferrer in the next round, after his straight-sets victory over Lukas Rosol.