Ancic finds his game with top 10 knockout performance

Feb 12, 2009, 13:57 GMT

Rotterdam, Netherlands - Mario Ancic announced his return to form after two seasons of illness and injury as he defeated only his second top 10 opponent since 2007 with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 upset of Gilles Simon on Thursday.

The fourth seeded Simon from Nice, eighth in the world, was one of a handful of Frenchman on court in the second round, with compatriot match-ups the order of the day.

Fifth seed Gael Monfils put out holder and countryman Michael Llodra 6-4, 6-4 to next line up against Julien Benneteau, another French player.

Marc Gicquel won another clash with a compatriot, defeating Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-4, 6-3.

Ancic was pleased with his showing in Rotterdam, where he lost the 2005 semi-finals to Roger Federer,

The reached the final in Zagreb last weekend against youngster Marin Cilic. 'This is unbelievable for me,' said number 28.

'Gilles is a top player and they are always very difficult to beat, he makes you play every point. But I was patient and played very well.'

Ancic moved into a quarter-final against Russian Mikhail Youzhny.

Top seed Rafael Nadal was bidding for his career-best showing at the Ahoy centre later, playing Bulgarian 17-year-old Grigor Dimitrov.