Simon Gauzy earned his first victory over world No. 3 Tomokazu Harimoto, winning 3–0 in the men's singles first round at WTT Champions Montpellier 2026. Harimoto had won his second consecutive men's singles title at the Asian Championships in Uzbekistan three days earlier.[1][2]

Gauzy took the opening game 15–13 before winning the next two 11–7 and 11–6. He believed that winning the tight opener had affected Harimoto mentally.[1][2]

Reflecting on the home support, Gauzy said he was surprised every year by the crowd's enthusiasm for watching him play. The win put him through to the round of 16.[1]