It is matches like this that makes one wonder just how good Gael Monfils could have been; and perhaps how good he still can be. The Frenchman is sometimes fantastic, often frustrating and always flamboyant but he brought all the good parts of his game to bear as he knocked Roger Federer out of the Monte Carlo Masters 6-4, 7-6 in a thrilling last-16 encounter. Monfils displayed the breathtaking athleticism that can make Novak Djokovic look sluggish and the shotmaking that can make Andy Murray seem conventional. But the 28-year-old also played with focus and commitment, two attributes which can sometimes be found wanting in the world No 18. Gael Monfils celebrates after beating Roger Federer in straight sets at the Monte Carlo Masters . Frenchman Monfils beat the former world No 1 6-4 7-6 in a last-16 thriller on Thursday in Monaco . Federer started smoothly and broke with a clever chipped return. But the 33-year-old handed the break back with a double fault and the momentum swung towards the Frenchman. At 4-4, Monfils came out on top in a pulsating 31-shot rally to bring up three break points. On the second, he won another grueling point and then served out comfortably. The second set was the best of the tournament so far. Each game was fiercely contested with both men playing superb, intense tennis. Federer shows his frustration after bowing out of the clay court tournament to the No 14 seed . Federer leaves the court after his loss put Monfils through to his first last-eight match in Monaco . Neither was able to puncture the other’s serve and so, appropriately, a tie break was needed to separate them. Every rally in the breaker was a mini epic. Federer edged ahead with a brilliant return winner but missed a backhand to cede the advantage. Monfils won a couple of points on serve and the world No 2 was forced to serve to stay in the match at 5-6. He missed an approach shot wide and the Frenchman unfurled that trademark beaming grin. Monfils will face Grigor Dimitrov in what should be an explosive quarter-final. World No 18 Monfils hit 22 winners to Federer’s 17 as he shocked the 17-time Grand Slam winner . Monfils and Federer shake hands at the end of the match after the 28-year-old overcame the 33-year-old .
Gael Monfils beat Roger Federer 6-4, 7-6 at the Monte Carlo Masters .
The Frenchman showed how good he can be in thrilling last-16 win .
Monfils now faces Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-finals in Monaco .