Gael Monfils’ comeback from injury took a hit on Thursday when he lost to German qualifier Daniel Brands 6-1 7-5 in the quarter-finals of the Qatar Open in Doha.

The Frenchman, who ended his season early in 2012 due to knee problems, beat Philip Kohlschreiber in three sets to reach the quarters.

But he came out sluggish against the world No.153 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.

“He went for his shots more than me, and obviously at the end he was like blowing in like every ball,” Monfils said. “Actually, he was playing very fast at the beginning, and it took me a while to adapt and to just to see how he was playing.”

Monfils said he was still not 100 per cent, but he insisted his recovery remains on pace and he had no pain in his knees this week.

“It was tougher because I felt a bit heavier, and it was my first tough match yesterday,” Monfils said. “I struggled a bit with my recovery. I have to get used to, and, you know, just adjust a couple of stuff to be better.”

Brands is one of six unseeded players to reach the quarters and is looking for his first ATP title. Though his victory was a surprise, he said he has the ability to play with the world’s best players.

“If I have confidence and I feel good, then I can play like today,” Brands said. “I have to try to get into the top 100. That’s my goal and let’s see what happens.”

Brands will next face second-seeded Richard Gasquet, who beat Lukas Lacko of Slovakia 6-1 6-3.