French veteran Gilles Simon taking a break from tennis tour

Posted February 26, 2021 6:00 am

The Associated Press

PARIS (AP) - Gilles Simon will step away from the tennis tour for an undetermined period of time because he said his heart wasn't in it right now.

The 36-year-old Frenchman wrote on Twitter on Friday that mental health is also a concern.

'œWith my heart not being in it in terms of traveling and playing in these conditions, I unfortunately have to take a break in order to preserve myself mentally," Simon wrote. "Hopefully my morale picks up as soon as possible.'ť

Simon achieved a best ranking of sixth in 2009 but is currently ranked 68th. He won the last of his 14 career ATP titles in 2018.

He was routed 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 by Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round of the Australian Open this month.

Simon did not say whether he is considering retirement.

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France's Gilles Simon waves as he leave after defeated by Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill) The Associated Press

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