Unseeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has boldly declared that tomorrow night’s Australian Open final against world number three Novak Djokovic could be one for the ages.
“It’s going to be a big moment of sports.”
Speaking to the media on final eve, Tsonga admitted sitting through the duration of Djokovic’s stunning demolition of Roger Federer in his hotel room. While the Frenchman was impressed by Djokovic’s victory, Tsonga holds no fears, given his own triumph over Rafael Nadal in the semis.
“It’s the same, no? It’s the same, because Nadal is two in the world and Djokovic three, so both of them won a lot of tournaments and they have more experience than me,” Tsonga said.
“I know it’s going to be difficult, but I’m here and ready for that.”
Tsonga’s coaching staff have pointed to last year’s French Open as the turning point in the 22 year old’s career. If you go seacrhing for his results, you won’t see Tsonga’s name anywhere. That’s because he was off playing a challenger. As his national Open was being played out, Tsonga was in Surbiton, England, winning a second string grass court event. Two weeks later the Frenchman made the round of 16 at Wimbledon.
His path to grand slam stardom set.
“I was sad, this situation (not playing at Roland Garros). But now I’m here and maybe I will be seeded this year, so it was a good choice for me.”
The comparisons between Tsonga and Mohammed Ali show no sign of easing, with Tsonga happy to admit he has similarities to the heavyweight boxing legend.
“Maybe his personality on the court,” he said. “Maybe I think I have the same tennis as his boxing.”
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