British number two Dan Evans bowed out in round two of the Dubai Championships with a 6-4 3-6 6-1 defeat against fourth seed Gael Monfils of France.
The 26-year-old, enjoying a career-high ranking of 43, lost the opening set but levelled as Monfils held serve only once in the second set.
But Monfils raced through the decider to complete victory in 95 minutes.
World number one Andy Murray plays Guillermo Garcia Lopez of Spain, ranked 97, later on Wednesday.