Gilles Simon remains on course for a fourth title in Bucharest, after reaching the quarter-final of the BRD Nastase Tiriac Trophy with victory over Janko Tipsarevic.
In what was Tipsarevic's second tournament since returning from a 17-month injury break, Frenchman Simon was made to work very hard for his points, finally emerging 7-5 6-4 victorious.
The nearly two-hour long match meant Simon now has the chance to add to the titles he won here back in 2007, 2008 and 2012, though he must first overcome Daniel Gimeno-Traver in the last eight.
Gimeno-Traver also won in straight sets but still conceded seven games to qualifier Nikola Mektic of Croatia in his 7-5 6-2 victory.
Spaniard Gimeno-Traver, who fought his way back into the top-100 rankings in February, was quoted on the ATP website as saying: "It was a strange match with many ups and downs - I even had a set ball at 5-3 in the first.
"I wasn't that consistent like in the previous matches, but finally I could win and that's important. The clay in Bucharest is slower, but I can adapt because it is my favourite surface."
Gael Monfils was also expected to be given a tough match against Mikhail Youzhny, but cruised through 6-1 6-2 to set up a quarter-final clash with Simone Bolelli.
Andreas Haider-Maurer saved six break points in his second-round meeting with Bolelli, but the Italian took the final honours 6-4 6-4.
Source: PA
