(Tennis news) Gael Monfils for the first time returned without a win at Montpellier Open, he had reached the finals 4 times and won three of them in his past 7 appearances but this time it was hard luck at home as he was beaten by Mikael Ymer in only 57 minutes and had lost to the 23 year old at Roland Garros last year in their first meeting. There were a handful of usual winners from the Frenchmen but in the rest of the rallies there was no energy as it looked like the Australian courts had sucked up all his stamina. Ymer defeated Monfils 6-1, 6-2.

It was the finishing line for defending champion David Goffin as his patience level ran out against Adrian Mannarino in the fourth round. Mannarino recorded just his 2nd victory over the Belgian in their seventh meeting, the 33 year old did not take much risks as Goffin could not hold defense even in crucial points. Mannarino defeated Goffin 6-4, 6-2.

Richard Gasquet had made the finals at Montpellier from 2013-2018 and won it thrice. He has now reached the quarterfinals for the 9th time out of 10 at home as he beat Soonwoo Kwon with a display of elegance. The 35 year old couldn't have been more composed as a few bizarre lofted shots in the rally by Kwon gave Gasquet the opening set. The world number 24 only gave away a single break point in the second set which avoided a decider. Gasquet defeated Kwon 7-5, 6-4.

"I was solid on the court," Gasquet said in his on-court interview. "I didn't make many mistakes, which was the key in the match. I played well and I didn't lose my serve. When playing indoors the court is fast, so I had to serve well and I did. I am really happy to win because he is a great player."

Alexander Zverev started the month with a victory over Mackenzie MacDonald. Zverev was too fast and strong for Mackenzie as he could not find a way to win a point with a winner. A few good dropshots did make the German little off the track but took the set with no extra trouble and in the second set the roles were exchanged in the beginning. The world number 56 took a 4-2 lead in the second set but spoiled the chances as the shots were going too long or too wide. Zverev defeated Mackenzie 6-2, 7-6(7-5). The world number 3 will face Mannarino for a place in the semifinal, the pair has met 6 times and Zverev has won all of them while losing 2 sets in total.

Also read: Gasquet records second victory over Humbert this season