Tommy Paul edged out former champion Cristian Garin in Houston, booking a quarterfinal clash with American Colton Smith in the process.
Smith, a University of Arizona prospect, qualified and defeated Northern California Ethan Quinn, 6-3, 6-4. The Olympia, Washington native was in attendance watching Paul on Tuesday night.
27-year-old Paul improved to 2-2 over Garin in his second lifetime meeting against the former World No.17.
“Points got longer, the match got better, and I’m happy I got it done – even 7-6 in the third, we always take those,” Paul said on court after the win.
Paul reaches his 41st career quarterfinal and snaps a two-match losing streak to Garin on clay.
Elsewhere in Houston, qualifier Jenson Brooksby topped third-seeded Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(6), from down 6-3 in the final set tiebreak.
The Sacramento native will face either Aleksandar Kovacevic or Corentin Denolly in the quarterfinals.