Dubai, UAE - Gilles Simon ushered Fabrice Santoro out of the Barclays Championships for the final time on Thursday with a 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 quarter-final victory.

The popular Santoro, 36, is hanging up his racket next November at Paris Bercy, and has played his concluding match in the emirate where he began with the event 17 years ago as a runner-up.

The double-fisted veteran whose game has confounded several generations of opponents, was presented with a long-service award on court after his defeat in just over 90 minutes.

"When I came here in 1993, Dubai was brand new city and brand new tournament, and I saw this place growing up since 17 years," he said. "It's something special for me to leave the tournament today, but I'm happy once again to reach the end.

"I remember that week," said the veteran of a dozen editions. "I came here with my physical trainer and we had a great week.

"We were curious to come here together, and not many players knew what they are going to see here. But for me, it was always a pleasure to come."

The Frenchman is able to look back proudly on his career. "I always tried to work hard to be competitive, even now at 36 years old.

"I always tried my best on the court, try fighting until the last point, try to keep my nerves cool. I always try to give my hundred per cent. That was the main thing for me, try as hard as I can until the last point."

The third-seeded Simon broke five times and ran away with the second set in searing temperatures in excess of 31 degrees Celsius.

Simon will be playing in his second semi-final of the season after going into the last four this month.

Simon will await an opponent from top seed Novak Djokovic, who scraped together a patchy win on Wednesday over Czech Jan Hernych, and fast-rising Croatian Marin Cilic, seeded fifth. (dpa)