Tomas Berdych experienced few problems en route to reaching the semi-finals in Montpellier.
Czech sees off Mahut in straight sets
Top seed Tomas Berdych experienced few problems en route to reaching the semi-finals of the ATP event in Montpellier.
The Czech world number seven needed just 73 minutes to complete a second successive straight-sets victory this week, with a 6-3 6-4 triumph over Frenchman Nicolas Mahut.
In a contest dominated by serve, Berdych sent down 14 aces to 10 by his opponent.
In the opening set, Mahut could win just three points on the Berdych serve, with the 26-year-old beating the world number 78 for a third time in three meetings.
Berdych, who has conceded just nine games in four sets, will meet Philipp Kohlschreiber in the last four.
The German upset home hope Richard Gasquet, recording a 6-2 3-6 6-3 win as he blasted down 18 aces.
However, the host nation will be represented by Gilles Simon and Gael Monfils in the other semi-final.
Second seed Simon beat compatriot Guillaume Rufin in what was a hard-fought contest which lasted almost three hours. Simon eventually prevailed 7-6 (7/5) 6-7 (2/7) 6-2 with his opponent's game undermined by 11 double faults.
Monfils, seeded three, has things easier, defeating veteran Finn Jarkko Nieminen 6-3 6-3.
Monfils lost just six points on his own serve and did not face a break point in the 54-minute match.
