Gilles Simon fought back from a set down to clinch victory in an all-French affair with Julien Benneteau ©Getty Images

Gilles Simon fought back from a set down to clinch victory in an all-French affair with Julien Benneteau in the pick of the first round matches in the Paris Masters at the AccorHotels Arena today.

Simon struggled early on before he found his form, eventually wrapping up a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 success to battle through to the next round at the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Masters 1000 tournament.

Benoit Paire was another French player to crash out in round one as he was beaten 6-4, 7-6 by Italian Paolo Lorenzi.

Fernando Verdasco will join Lorenzi in the second round after his opponent, Dutchman Robin Haase, withdrew with the score at 6-3, 3-2 in favour of the Spaniard.

Verdasco faces a tough ask if he is to progress any further as he will take on Britain’s Andy Murray, winner of the Vienna Open yesterday and who could overtake Serbian Novak Djokovic as world number one.

A triumph in Paris, coupled with Djokovic not making the final, would see Murray claim top spot for the first time in his career.

The venue for the tournament is due to be used if Paris if successful with its bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It has been earmarked to stage the basketball finals and judo during the Olympic Games and wheelchair basketball at the Paralympic Games and will be renamed the Paris Arena should the French capital be chosen ahead of Budapest, Los Angeles and Rome at the International Olympic Committee Session on September 13 next year in Lima.

Fernando Verdasco booked his place in round two after opponent Robin Haase withdrew in the second set due to injury ©Getty Images
Fernando Verdasco booked his place in round two after opponent Robin Haase withdrew in the second set due to injury ©Getty Images

Tennis competitions will be played on the iconic red clay at Roland Garros, host of the French Open each year.

Roland Garros is set to undergo renovation work, including the building of a new 5,000-seater arena, which is scheduled to be completed by 2020 after the French Tennis Federation were given the green light by a Paris court following a protracted legal battle.

A roof will also be constructed over the main Philippe Chatrier Court, due to be finished the following year.

"It is great to see yet another major sports event taking place at one of our proposed venues for Paris 2024," Paris 2024 co-President Tony Estanguet said.

"Paris has hosted the ATP Masters 1000 for the last 30 years, demonstrating our strong track record in delivering international sports events including multiple World Championships in Olympic sports and several world renowned annual events.

"Our enviable reputation in major event delivery proves that Paris 2024 can be trusted partners for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement."