Simon edges Troicki 7-5, 6-3 to win Thailand Open

(AP) BANGKOK - Gilles Simon of France won the Thailand Open on Sunday, defeating Viktor Troicki 7-5, 6-3 for his first ATP title of the year and sixth overall.

"I expected a very hard time on the court, and I had some (difficulty). It’s never easy to win a tournament," said the second-seeded Gilles.

Troicki, seeded fourth, and Simon traded breaks late in the first set before the Frenchman broke when leading 6-5. Simon broke an error-prone Troicki to make it 4-2 in the second set.

Simon won on his second match point when the Serbian hit a forehand return wide.

"I’m a little disappointed I didn’t win today," said Troicki, who was aiming for his first title. "But Gilles played a great match, and congratulations to him."

Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva watched the final from the VIP stand and presented Simon with his trophy.