Gilles Simon, untroubled by the new challenges of fatherhood, won his seventh ATP title when he beat German qualifier Mischa Zverev 6-3 6-2 in the final of the Metz International on Sunday. The eighth-seeded Frenchman, whose season has been hampered by a knee injury, served perfectly throughout to prevail in 67 minutes against Zverev, who had beaten him in their two previous encounters.
"I have a special thought for my partner because she was worried coming to Metz with our child Thimothee, who was born three weeks ago," an emotional Simon said in a courtside interview.
"She was worried that I would sleep less and that it would disturb me. I think (today's win) was the best of all answers."
Former world number six Simon, now 41st in the ATP rankings, had not won a title since he claimed the Thailand Open almost a year ago.
Simon relied on his forehand to dismiss Zverev, who was playing in his first ATP final.
The Frenchman said coach Thierry Tulasne had helped him to cope with his knee problem.
"Despite the injury we continued to work very hard and we were convinced it would eventually pay off," he said.