Haas Turns Back Time

Former world number 2, Tommy Haas, showed glimpses of his vintage form, by producing a stunning display to dispose of  Frenchman, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in München. 

Haas, whose career has been rued by major injuries is making another attempt at a comeback this season, but he has yet to stir any waters. At 134 in the rankings, he entered his home event courtesy of a wildcard. The draw was not beneficial though, as he was scheduled to square off against top seeded Tsonga in the second round. The Frenchman, an established top 10 figure now, started the dispute as the clear favourite. However, a flawless performance from Tommy in the beginning of the clash saw his rose to a 5-0 advantage. Two games later, the German bagged the first set 6-1 and looked set to cause the biggest upset of the week. Jo failed to react, allowing his opponent to continue to dominate. A single break of serve made the difference in the second act, as Haas won 6-1,6-4 to celebrate his biggest triumphs in years. He moves on to tackle 8 seeded Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis in the quarterfinals.

Tsonga on the other hand, had no excuses for the shock defeat. "Simply said, it was that Tommy played better than me," he said. "He didn't allow me any time to express myself, or to control the ball. "It wasn't down to a lack of practice as I put in two-hour sessions and normally that is sufficient. "Obviously conditions are different when you are practising and playing a competitive match, the court as well. But I played well at Monte-Carlo and before that in the Davis Cup so I was match ready."

Haas, heavily cheered by the partisan crowd, qualify for his first quarterfinal of the year after a stunning disposal of top seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round in München.

Tsonga looked rusty in his first match in München, failing to find his rhythm against an inspired Tommy Haas.

photos (top-down): DPA, GETTY IMAGES (x2)