Jo-Wilfried Tsonga reaches quarter-finals after beating Mardy Fish at Wimbledon

 

Paul Hirst
Tuesday 03 July 2012 12:49 EDT
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Jo-Wilfried Tsonga overcame a one-set deficit and an injury scare to cruise past Mardy Fish and earn a quarter-final place at Wimbledon.

Tsonga started a set down after yesterday's downpour, but he recovered to record a 4-6 7-6 (7/4) 6-4 6-4 despite two lengthy rain delays to the Court Two action.

The win, which pits him against Philipp Kohlschreiber in the last eight, came at a cost, however, as Tsonga needed to have treatment on a back injury that troubled him throughout the clash.

Fish had stunned Tsonga with some excellent tennis to move a set ahead yesterday, but last year's semi-finalist flew out of the blocks today, breaking in the opening game by tucking away a neat volley after charging the net.

A near hour-long rain-break knocked the fifth seed out of his stride, allowing Fish to break, but Tsonga powered three aces down to win the tie-break.

Tsonga grimaced throughout the breaker and needed treatment straight after, but it was Fish whose form suffered as a result.

The 10th seed handed an improved Tsonga two break points and he snapped up the second when Fish mis-hit a forehand.

Tsonga rescued two break points to wrap up the third set before Fish went off for seven minutes with an injury.

When he returned, Tsonga broke with an aggressive forehand and the Frenchman looked poised to romp to victory before drizzle returned at 3.08pm and play was suspended.

Two hours later the players returned and Tsonga held out reasonably comfortably, clinching the match with a 128mph ace - his 20th of the clash - which he followed up with his trademark celebratory dance.

PA

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