Number 13 seed Gilles Simon has booked his place in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells with a 6-2 7-5 victory over Michael Berrer.
The Frenchman was in imperious form in the contest, and he quickly asserted himself on the 34-year-old as he broke his serve twice and showed control around the court to take the first set 6-2.
Simon was just as dominant in the second set, powering to a 5-1 lead as he overwhelmed the German with his speed game around the court.
However, Berrer rallied and brought the set level by winning the next four games in a row, and saved three match points as Simon attempted a match-winning break.
The 30-year-old dug deep and was finally able to see off the German to claim a 7-5 victory and to book his place in the fourth round, where he will face either Donald Young or Rafael Nadal.
Simon Sinclair
