Simon reaches Bucharest 2012 final

Gilles Simon beat Matthias Bachinger 7-5, 6-2 to advance to the final of the Nastase Tiriac Trophy 2012 tennis event in Bucharest.

The Frenchman clinched his fourth ATP World Tour semifinal victory this season.

"It was a difficult match again," said Simon. "His serve was amazing today and he saved many break points with aces or winners. I was playing and moving better than yesterday, but Matthias gave me a hard time on the court.

"I feel good. I know that I can play very good here," added Simon. "I know the centre court perfectly and I really think I can win this tournament one more time."

In the final Simon will face IFabio Fognini, who beat Attila Balazs 6-3, 6-1.

"Right now I'm really happy because it's my first final," said Fognini. "I've lost maybe six or seven semi-finals in a row but today I was really solid. I couldn't imagine making the final on my first time here. But when I was injured I was working hard every day and now a little dream has come true. The tournament is not finished yet; tomorrow I will give it 110 per cent against a really good player and we will see what happens."