Grigor Dimitrov

Grigor Dimitrov lost the match against the world's number 8 Gilles Simon in the first round of the Marseille Tournament.
Second-seeded Gilles Simon came back from 5-2 down in the last set to beat Grigor Dimitrov 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the first round of the Open 13 on Tuesday.

The Bulgarian was very near the success, after leading with 5:2 in the decisive third set and 30:0 points in the game, but eventually was defeated by the hosts' representative with 6:4, 3:6, 5:7.

The Bulgarian started the match in a very confident way and did not seem embarrassed by his rival's class.

Dimitrov, who won two junior grand slam titles last year, served for the match and was two points from victory over the 2007 champion.

"From the moment I broke back, I felt much better," Simon said. "That hurt him physically and mentally, and I won the next games quite easily."

He saved three break points at 5-4 to take the first set. The eighth-ranked Simon broke Dimitrov at 2-1 in the second set and held on to tie it at one set apiece.

"It was very tough," Simon said. "I played against a very solid opponent who's really strong behind the baseline. He showed that he has the level to compete against the very best."

Grigor leaves the tournament without any points for his active but the fact that he played an equal match against France's No. 1 and winning a set against a tennis player of the world's top 10 may be enough for his confidence for now.