Gilles Simon has overcome a difficult challenge to edge past American Sam Querrey in five sets in the third round of the French Open.

The home favourite started poorly at Roland Garros and was punished for his sloppy early play as Querrey cruised to a 6-2 win in the first set.

Simon quickly found some of his best tennis in the second set and dominated his opponent to level the score after a 6-3 victory in the second.

However, it soon became clear how evenly matched the two players were on the day as Querrey battled his way back into the game with another 6-2 set win.

Simon once again drew level by performing well in the fourth-set tie-break to force the match into a deciding set.

Querrey looked tired in the fifth as Simon grew in confidence with the home crowd cheering him on to cruise to a 6-2 win in the fifth and book a place in the next round.