Flawless Tsonga Pulls the Trigger on Federer

I always believed in Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and his exuberant game. Ever since reaching that Australian Open final in 2008 I have been expecting him to win a Grand Slam crown, but unfortunately, it wasn't to be until now. He's been a constant presence in the last stages of the majors, but so far he always fell short in his quest for glory.

Although clay is his least favourite surface, Jo has had some pretty solid results at Roland Garros lately. He had a big chance last year when he squandered four match points against world number 1, Novak Djokovic, in the semis, but he blew it. He's here to make a menace this year and, after an impeccable run to the quarterfinals, the Frenchman pulled the trigger taking out second seeded Roger Federer. It was a high quality performance from Jo who completely outplayed the Swiss champion, winning in straight sets to the delight of the partisan crowd. 

"For me, it's maybe one of my best victories," said Tsonga. "[But] the tournament is not finished, and I hope I will have some more. Sport is beautiful because you can always do something. Even if you play the best player in the world, you have a chance. Because the guy in front of you only has two legs, two arms, one head."

Talking about the huge expectations that rest on his shoulder, Jo declared: "Everybody's been expecting a lot from me since the beginning of this tournament. Not only this tournament, but every day. So I'm used to it. Now what is important, is to stay focused, to think about my next match. Because it will be extremely tough against a player who didn't lose a single set and won with a very striking score in the quarter-finals."
Next up for Tsonga is a clash with ferocious David Ferrer, who beat Robredo, putting a stop to his compatriot's incredible run. The Frenchman is confident in his chance, so hopefully he can make it past the Spaniard to reach his second Grand Slam final: "I feel I'm able to beat [Ferrer] because I believe I have the weapons for that. I have more endurance now. I'm more consistent. I hit harder than he does, and normally I serve a lot better than him."
Although he beat Roger, my old time fave, I am glad for the Frenchman and I now root for him to go all the way. If I would have someone beat Roger, that someone is Jo. He did a great job today, played a flawless match and most important, he manage to close it out. I wholeheartedly hope he makes it at least to the final. It's a huge opportunity he shouldn't waste. You go Tsonga!

After squandering four match points in last year's quarterfinal with Djokovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has finally booked his place in the semifinals at Roland Garros with a sensational 7-5,6-3,6-3 victory over Roger Federer.

photos: GETTY IMAGES