Simon wins German Open

Hamburg - Gilles Simon became the first Frenchman in 25 years to win the German Open, beating Nicolas Almagro of Spain 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 on Sunday for his second title of the year.

The fifth-seeded Simon broke serve for a 4-2 lead and then saved two break points to serve out the first set. Almagro squandered a 3-0 lead in the second but broke serve again to level the match. Simon broke serve early for a 2-0 lead in the third and hung on to clinch the title.

The last Frenchman to win in Hamburg was Henri Leconte.

The third-seeded Almagro was looking for his fourth title of the year.