French tennis player, Gilles Simon, is mounting a comeback after a season of struggle, injury, and. . .making a baby. After taking out Philipp Kohlschreiber in five sets on Friday, he told reporters that he had become a father just the day before. His girlfriend, Carine Lauret, gave birth to son Timothée in a French hospital – a month ahead of schedule. Due to the unexpected timing, it was physically impossible for Simon to return to France in time for the birth, and he decided to play on.
“It was difficult to find the motivation.” Simon said of his second round match (via nytimes.com), “On the court, my concentration wasn’t there all the time.”
It’s not exactly the best attitude to have before meeting Rafael Nadal in his third round match on Sunday. Then again, Simon really isn’t hoping to beat him (via nytimes.com):
“If I win, it’s fabulous,” Simon said of his match vs. Rafa. “And if I lose, it’s even more fabulous.”
More info here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/sports/tennis/05simon.html
That's the right attitude, Simon.... And when he loses, if Nadal gets to play a Spanish in the QF, the tournament might just give him a bye to the SF already.
Still, can't blame the guy. He just had his first son and it's only right that he's more focused on that than on his work...
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