The Serbian was broken for 5-4 in the decider but bagged
three games in a row to end Simon's resilience and reach the
third round of the first European claycourt tournament of the
season.
Djokovic, who had a first-round bye, will next take on either
Russian Karen Khachanov or 13th seed Pablo Carreno Busta, of
Spain.
"It was a very difficult match, with many changes of momentum,"
said Djokovic. "It was very tiring for me, the first clay of the
season.
"But this is the start of the Roland Garros build-up."
Earlier, local favorite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, back from a
one-month layoff, was knocked out by fellow Frenchman, qualifier
Adrian Mannarino, 6-7(3) 6-2 6-3.
(Writing by Julien Pretot; Editing by Neville Dalton)
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