Australian tennis sensation Bernard Tomic advanced to the quarterfinals of the AEGON International Open following a 6-2 5-7 7-6 (7-4) victory over Frenchman Julien Benneteau. Up next for Tomic will be another Frenchman and former top-10 ATP player: Giles Simon.

Tomic, who made it to the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon Open in 2011, showed his ability to come through with big shots under pressure in his match against Benneteau. However, it will be interesting to see how he would fare against tougher competition in the next round.

Simon reached his highest ranking in the ATP Tour four years ago when he peaked at number six. But injuries slowed down his progression into the ranks in the following year and kept him outside of the elite circle for the succeeding seasons.

However, Simon has shown some signs of resurgence in 2013 after recording big wins against solid opposition. There's no doubt the Frenchman can compete at a high level. It's just a matter of being healthy on the floor and keeping him injury free.

If Tomic wants to have a better showing in the upcoming Wimbledon Open, he should start it now with a victory against Simon. Obviously, it won't be an easy picking for Tomic. Yet, the Aussie netter has something that Simon hasn't at this point of their careers - fresh legs.

Prediction:

Tomic is going to book a semifinal appearance at the Wimbledon Open warmup but not before surviving a three-setter with Simon. The Frenchman will give all sorts of problems to the young netter throughout the course of the match, but at the end, Tomic's youth will prevail. Tomic winning by 6-4, 5-7, 6-3