Bangkok - A relaxed preparation for the Thailand Open paid dividends for Gilles Simon Saturday as the second-seeded Frenchman beat Austrian Jurgen Melzer 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) to reach his first ATP final in 12 months. Simon, who last played for a trophy at the Madrid Masters, in October, 2008, against Andy Murray, will await an opponent from either holder Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Serb fourth seed Viktor Troicki.
"I didn't play Davis Cup (last month) and had some rest for my (injured) knee)," said Simon, holder of five ATP titles since 2007. "I was able to practise well for seven or eight days and then come here.
"This shows that if I'm rested and have good training, I can play to a high level. I feel really ready to play. I'm really happy to be in the final.
"I arrived on the court eager, ready to fight and ready to run."
Simon skipped last month's French Davis Cup date after losing in the US Open third round to Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Simon took revenge for a loss to Melzer in Romania on clay three years ago.
Simon struck eight aces and broke the 44th-ranked Melzer twice. The Frenchman went up to a 5-1 lead in the second-set tiebreaker, advancing on his second match point with a return winner after one and three-quarter hours.
