Paris, February 7: David Goffin saved five set points and negotiated an underarm serve before defeating Alexander Bublik 6-3 7-6 (9-7) at the Open Sud de France.
World number 10 Goffin has started the season in impressive form and remains on course for a first ATP Tour title since Tokyo in 2017.
The second seed bested Bublik's varied strokeplay over the course of one hour and 47 minutes, with the 22-year-old even serving underarm in a bid to deceive Goffin as a gripping second-set tie break slipped away.
Goffin will face Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the quarterfinals after the home favourite claimed an impressive 7-6 (7-2) 7-5 triumph against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Over here, @David__Goffin
The World No. 10 moves past Bublik to reach the @OpenSuddeFrance QF! pic.twitter.com/ERMAGCU3vJ
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 6, 2020
Herbert was a finalist in Montpellier last year, while countryman Richard Gasquet remained in contention for his fourth win at the event by beating Feliciano Lopez 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 6-2.
Gasquet starts strong in Montpellier but Dimitrov drops out
Vasek Pospisil, a winner in the all-Canadian clash with Denis Shapovalov on Wednesday, is up next for Gasquet, who retained his place in a draw stacked with French hopes.
Gael Monfils came from a set down to beat compatriot Adrian Mannarino 4-6 6-1 6-4, joining Gregoire Barrere – a shock winner over Grigor Dimitrov a day ago - in the last eight.
Filip Krajinovic will be Barrere's next opponent after demolishing qualifier Mikael Ymer 6-1 6-1, with Norbert Gombos also seeing off Emil Ruusuvuori in straight sets.
At the Pune Open, top seed Benoit Paire was dumped out in straight sets by Roberto Marcora – the Italian qualifier prevailing 6-4 6-4.
HUGE win for World No. 174 Roberto Marcora!
The Italian has defeated No. 1 seed Benoit Paire 6-4 6-4 at the @MaharashtraOpen.
: @TennisTV pic.twitter.com/SBlZeYD5AJ
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 6, 2020
Elsewhere, seeds Ricardas Berankis, Kwon Soon-woo, Yuichi Sugita, James Duckworth and Egor Gerasimov emerged unscathed to reach the quarter-finals.
Find the best IPL odds at 10Cric! Bet on all matches directly from your mobile phone.
Play casino in India at 7Jackpots, and enjoy real money games with fast and secure withdrawal options.