Monfils loses to qualifier in Qatar

Gael Monfils' comeback from injury took a hit Thursday when he lost to German qualifier Daniel Brands 6-1, 7-5 in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open. The Frenchman, who ended his season early in 2012 due to knee problems, beat Philip Kohlschreiber in three sets to reach the quarterfinals. But he came out sluggish against the 153rd-ranked Brands, struggling to return the German's serve and failing to chase down many of his forehands. After losing the first set, Monfils jumped out to 3-0 and 5-2 leads in the second, but Brands won the final five games.