Intro:

Gilles Simon through as sixth seed Roberto Bautista-Agut retires hurt

Script:

France's Gilles Simon was up against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain at the Japan Open on Tuesday.

The Frenchman showed some impressive resolve as he battled hard against the sixth seed Spaniard.

The first set appeared to be a foregone conclusion, but Simon ensured it was a tight affair eventually succumbing 6-4.

The world number 37 continued to battle in the second set and saved five match points, including two in the tie break before producing this spectcular point to seal the tie break and force a third set in an epic encounter between the two.

However, the third set was cut short, Bautista Agut fell awkwardly in the second game and appeared to injure himself.

The Spaniard attempted to carry on, but the pain was too much and he was forced to retire at 2-1 down in the third set.

Simon progresses to the next round and can now look forward to a clash with Gilles Muller of Luxembourg.