Monfils beats Gasquet to reach quarter-finals

Gael Monfils secured a quarter-final spot at the Barcelona Open Thursday as he stormed out early and strong against sluggish French compatriot Richard Gasquet, earning a 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) victory.

But the seventh-seeded winner was deliberately refusing to consider the distinct possibility of having to face formidable clay king Rafael Nadal in the next round.

Nadal, winner of a record seventh straight trophy at Monte Carlo at the weekend, was still to play his third round match against Colombian Santiago Giraldo. But barring a miracle upset, the top seed will be the opponent facing Monfils on Friday at the Real Club de Tenis. "I won't think about the match now," said a reluctant Monfils, playing in only his second event since a wrist injury forced him out in February. "I will prepare it just like any other match.

"Of course if it's Nadal, the world number one, what can I say, I'll worry about it later. It would be a tough job." Monfils improved to 4-3 over his friend and co-national Gasquet, not at his best after a pair of previous matches each lasting in excess of two hours.

"I got off to the better start, Richard started slow," said Monfils who has played just ten matches this season. "He did not come to the court in his best form today. BARCELONA, AFP