Monfils beats Mahut to reach Metz quarterfinals

METZ, France (AP) -- Seventh-seeded Gael Monfils of France continued his successful return after several months out with a knee injury on Thursday, reaching the quarterfinals of the Moselle Open with a 7-6 (4), 7-5 victory over compatriot Nicolas Mahut.

It was Monfils' second match since losing to Brian Baker of the United States at the Open de Nice in May. The 2009 Metz champion hit 12 aces to set up a match against second-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Kohlschreiber, a runner-up three years ago, defeated Benoit Paire of France 6-2, 1-6, 6-1.

Fifth-seeded Andreas Seppi of Italy also advanced, cruising to a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Frenchman Vincent Millot in just over an hour.

American Jesse Levine faces a quarterfinal against top-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after beating Michael Berrer of Germany 6-3, 3-6, 6-0.

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