Gilles Simon eases past Nicolas Almagro in first round at Wimbledon

Gilles Simon has cruised into the second round of Wimbledon courtesy of a straight-sets victory over Nicolas Almagro.

The number 12 seed eased into the contest as he and the Spaniard traded attacking shots in the first set, but the Frenchman had just enough quality to earn the break of serve and take it 6-4.

The second set proved to be a similar encounter to the first as both players produced an array of impressive groundstrokes and consistency on their serve, although Simon earned the crucial break once again to secure the set 6-4.

Simon was in complete rhythm in the third set and pounced on several mistakes to put Almagro under pressure, but the Spaniard showed his resilience to tie the match at 5-5.

However, the 30-year-old produced the quality when it mattered to clinch his place in the second round of the competition.

Simon will play Blaz Kavcic in the next round of Wimbledon.