Get your boxing analogies ready. The magic carpet ride of Mohammed Ali-lookalike Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will continue into the semi-finals of the Australian Open, with the 22 year old sensationally dispatching 14th seed Russian Mikhail Youzhny 7-5, 6-0, 7-6.Unseeded Tsonga, who had never won a match at the Australian Open entering this years event, is just two victories away from completing a remarkable rags to riches story. The Frenchman had already disposed of 9th seed Andy Murray and 8th seed Richard Gasquet before tonight’s triumph under the Rod Laver Arena lights.
Next on the journey is world number two Rafael Nadal.
Tsonga did not face a single break point against Youzhny, who frequently screamed out in frustration. Tsonga’s court coverage was sublime, the Frenchman using his height, reach and silky movement to perfection.
With victory within reach, the Tsonga noticeably tightened, surrendering three straight points up when 5-3 ahead in the third-set tie breaker. Tsonga settled, saving a set point before creating a match point. When the Russian pushed a volley over the baseline, the 22 year old collapsed onto the court. Once he regained his composure, the crowd was treated to the now familiar dance, with Tsonga jumping, pointing his thumbs at himself.
Nadal easily accounted for Tsonga in their only previous match, at the 2007 US Open. Tsonga would be the first to admit a lot of has changed since then.
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