Former world number one Andy Murray's hopes of making a first ATP semi-final in two years were ended by top-seeded Hubert Hurkacz in the last eight in Metz on Friday.
Poland's Hurkacz, who beat Roger Federer on his way to the Wimbledon semi-finals in July, won 7-6 (7/4), 6-3.
"Andy is an unbelievable competitor, he has achieved so much throughout his career," said world number 13 Hurkacz.
"He is coming back from a tough injury and playing at a very high level, so he is amazing and you can be inspired by his results."
Three-time major winner Murray was playing in his first quarter-final since winning the Antwerp title in October 2019.
The 34-year-old, who has undergone two hip surgeries in the last three years, is now down at 113 in the world.
For Hurkacz, it was a second win this year over Murray following his victory in Cincinnati last month.
The 24-year-old will next face Peter Gojowczyk after the German moved past American Marcos Giron 3-6, 6-1, 6-3.
Gael Monfils kept home hopes alive when the world number 20 knocked out eighth-seeded Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia, 6-3, 6-3.
Monfils will face either Danish teenager Holger Rune or Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta for a place in the final.
"I'm playing better and better. I'm happy with the return of the fans, there is a little more fire and positive energy," said the French number one.
"I hope it will continue like that."
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