Gilles Simon, a retired French tennis player, is celebrated for his consistent and strategic gameplay. He turned professional in 2002 and enjoyed a 2-decade-long career, earning respect as one of France’s most successful tennis players.
Known for his mental toughness and tactical approach, Simon reached a career-high ATP ranking of World No. 6 in 2009.
Gilles Simon’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gilles Simon |
| Nickname | Gilou |
| Date of Birth | December 27, 1984 |
| Age | 40 years |
| Place of Birth | Nice, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Turned Professional | 2002 |
| Retired | November 2022 |
| Net Worth | $12 million |
| Career Prize Money | $16,045,734 |
| Relationship Status | Married to Carine Lauret |
| Children | Two sons (Timothée and Valentin) |
| Instagram Profile | @gilles.simon84 |
Born in Nice, Simon grew up in Fontenay-sous-Bois near Paris. He began playing tennis at six with the support of his parents.
A growth delay during his teenage years inspired him to idolize Michael Chang, proving that size isn’t everything in tennis. His nickname “Gilou” reflects his affable personality.
Early Career
Gilles Simon began his professional journey by competing in Futures tournaments in France before expanding internationally.
His first Futures title came in Lisbon in 2003. By 2005, he had captured his first ATP Challenger title in Nouméa. His Grand Slam debut occurred at the French Open the same year.
Professional Career
Simon’s career peaked with 14 ATP singles titles and a total of 504 wins. He achieved remarkable victories against top players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both while they were ranked World No. 1.
Notable highlights include reaching the quarterfinals at the Australian Open (2009) and Wimbledon (2015), as well as finishing as a finalist at three Masters 1000 events.
Simon was known for his defensive style and ability to outlast opponents in long rallies. He retired after playing his final match at the Rolex Paris Masters in November 2022.
Wife
Gilles Simon is married to Carine Lauret, his long-time partner. The couple has two sons: Timothée, born in 2010, and Valentin, born in 2013.
They live together as a family in Paris. While Simon and Lauret are private about their personal lives, Carine has shared insights into the challenges and joys of being married to a professional athlete.
Gilles Simon’s Net Worth Details
Gilles Simon’s net worth is estimated to be $12 million as of 2025. This wealth stems from prize money, endorsements, and investments made during his career.
Prize Money
| Year | Prize Money Earned |
|---|---|
| Career Total | $16,045,734 |
Endorsements
- Adidas (apparel)
- Head (tennis racquets)
- Peugeot (sponsorship during his active career)
Career Stats
| Opponent | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Roger Federer | 2 | 7 |
| Rafael Nadal | 1 | 8 |
| Novak Djokovic | 1 | 11 |
| Andy Murray | 3 | 16 |
Simon’s ability to challenge top players earned him respect as a formidable competitor.
FAQs
What is Gilles Simon’s highest ATP ranking?
He reached World No. 6 on January 5, 2009.
How many ATP titles did Gilles Simon win?
He won a total of 14 ATP singles titles.
When did Gilles Simon retire?
He retired in November 2022.
Who is Gilles Simon married to?
He is married to Carine Lauret.
Does Gilles Simon have children?
Yes, he has two sons named Timothée and Valentin.
What is Gilles Simon’s playing style?
He was known for his defensive and strategic gameplay.
What was Simon’s most notable victory?
Defeating Rafael Nadal at the Madrid Masters in 2008 stands out as a significant achievement.
How much prize money did Gilles Simon earn?
He earned $16,045,734 throughout his career.
What are some brands that endorsed Gilles Simon?
Adidas and Head were among the brands that endorsed him during his career.
What is Gilles Simon doing post-retirement?
As of early 2024, he joined Daniil Medvedev’s coaching team.
