MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Gilles Simon of France is in doubt for the Australian Open after injuring his right ankle in the semifinals of the Kooyong exhibition tournament Friday.
Simon, seeded 18th for the first Grand Slam of the year beginning Monday, was trailing compatriot Richard Gasquet 7-6 (3), 1-0 when he rolled his ankle as he ran toward the net. The 29-year-old Simon was in obvious pain, throwing his racket away and limping to his chair.
He was treated by the tournament physiotherapist but couldn’t continue and was assisted from the court.
Gasquet will play Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic in Saturday’s final at Kooyong.
Simon has been drawn to play Daniel Brands of Germany in the opening round of the Australian Open.
