MONTPELLIER, France — French wild-card entry Paul-Henri Mathieu reached the second round of the Open Sud de France when compatriot Nicolas Mahut retired while trailing 6-1, 3-0 on Monday.
Ranked 140th in the world, Mathieu earned his first victory in the main draw of a tournament this year to set up a meeting with top-seeded Richard Gasquet.
Mathieu saved a break point in the opening game and went on to win five straight games for a 5-0 lead. Mahut made four double faults and won only nine of his 28 service points.