The quarterfinals match between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and tennis master Roger Federer at the French Open was a stunning display between Tsonga’s power and Federer’s clever shots. In the end, the power was able to win, and Federer’s slow decline with age is becoming evermore apparent as the Swiss tennis genius was battered in straight sets.
It was an entertaining match nevertheless, and one where Federer never really gave up as he continued to make shots that reminded the spectators of his brilliant game. But, the consistency of his youth was never found and Tsonga stunned the number 3 ranked player in the world.
For Tsonga, the achievement is a marvelous one that puts him in just the 5th Grand Slam semi-final of his career. He has yet to claim a Grand Slam title and surely will have a monumental task should he beat David Ferrer. Either clay-court king Rafael Nadal or world number 1, Novak Djokovic will stand in his way on the opposite end of the court in the French Open final.
The 28 year-old Frenchman has come to play brilliantly in the last few years and would love to claim this French Open in his homeland. However, he clearly has a long road ahead in his quest. A potential title match against Rafael Nadal could be an incredible match of strength vs. strength!
Tsonga defeated Nadal in the 2008 Australian Open semi-finals
Photo Credit: © Shyam Mani
One could downplay the significance of this victory as Federer has never been a clay-court specialist and is showing signs of age at the ripe old age of 31. However, this match could prove to be the stepping-stone for Tsonga, who looks ready and capable to finally make the bold step to earning a Grand Slam title at the 2013 French Open!
Nicholas Spiller
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