Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga power on in Montpellier as David Goffin crashes out
Tomas Berdych laid down an impressive marker at the Open Sud de France by comprehensively dismissing Benoit Paire 6-2 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals.
The Czech won the tournament in 2012 but is unseeded this time around, but was in devastating form in Montpellier.
Berdych will now face Filip Krajinovic, who dismissed second seed David Goffin 6-4 6-4 despite having to withstand 11 aces and four break points.
Paire’s defeat was grim news for the home crowds, but they were lifted by wins for Jeremy Chardy and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Chardy, the sixth seed, served nine aces along the way as he beat experienced countryman Antoine Hoang 6-3 7-5.
Tsonga, meanwhile, battled to an impressive 6-2 7-6 (7-3) success over fourth seed Gilles Simon.
“I am very happy to win this match. It was something great at a good level. I hope I will be able to go far in this tournament”, said Tsonga, who is unseeded after seeing his ranking decimated by injury.
Marcos Baghdatis beat Ruben Bemelmans 6-2 6-4 to set up a clash with recent Australian Open semi-finalist Lucas Pouille, while Ilya Ivashka beat Italian Thomas Fabbiano 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Tennis betting preview: Side with home star Diego Swartzman in Cordoba
-
Life is about teamwork – Patrick Mouratoglou on the art coaching
-
Tennis365’s A to Z of tennis for January: Blackmail, lazy comments and an Andy Murray ‘willy shot’
-
Davis Cup guide: Everything you need to know about competition’s new format
-
-
Latest
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis NewsIga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian OpenFive of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.