Djokovic survives 4 matchpoints to beat Tsonga at Roland Garros, plays Federer in SFs

Novak Djokovic came back from the brink to defeat Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, saving four matchpoints on his way to an epic 6-1  5-7  5-7  7-6 (6)  6-1 victory in the quarterfinals of this year’s French Open.

With this win, the Serbian set up a semifinal encounter against his big rival Roger Federer, who overcame Argentine Del Potro in five sets.

Djokovic had the match under control until leading a set and 4-2 , but the Frenchman rallied back and with a massive support of the home crowd, he levelled the score at 1 set all.

Both players traded a couple of breaks at the beginning of the third set and it was Tsonga once more who managed to break his opponent in the 12th game to seal the set.

The Serbian showed some spectacular mental strenght yet again. Although there were no breaks of serve in the fourth set, Djokovic managed to save two matchpoints when serving at 4-5. As if it wasn’t enough to digest for Tsonga, the world no.1 averted a couple more when 5-6 down, forcing a tiebreak. Despite the Frenchman saving two setpoints for a change when trailing 4-6, Djokovic grabbed hold of the breaker and forced a decider.

The missed opportunities left a visible mark on the Frenchman’s game and the Serbian pounced like tiger to take the opportunity and sail to a 6-1 set and match win.

 

Tags 2012 Roland Garros ATP Tennis Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Juan Martin del Potro Novak Djokovic Roger Federer tennis news