By Richard Lucas

(July 24, 2011) Gilles Simon earned his second title of 2011 and ninth overall, defeating Nicolas Almagro 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 at the bet-at-home.com Open. After starting the year ranked 44th, the win will vault Simon seven spots to World No. 11.

Despite different styles, the pair fought back and forth throughout the tight match where the momentum swung at every break of serve. In fact, Simon won only one point more than Almagro for the entire match.

The consistent Frenchman saved all eight break chances against his serve in the first set and converted one of his five chances against the serve of Almagro in the fifth game to seal the first set.

The Spaniard bounced back taking the first three games in the second set but squandered chances for a second break. The momentum shifted in favor of Simon, who reeled off four straight games before Almagro fired back with three straight of his own to even the match.

After being broken to end the second set, Simon quickly asserted himself with a break in the opening game. Almagro continued to fight in an attempt to capture his fourth clay court tournament of the year, but could only manage five points on return in the deciding set.

Simon's win makes him the first Frenchman since Henri Leconte 25 years ago to capture the title in Hamburg.