By Erik Gudris | Sunday, February 26, 2017
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga continued his winning streak by claiming his third career Marseille title over fellow Frenchman Lucas Pouille.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
For Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, it’s another week and another title for the veteran who continues his impressive winning streak in February.
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The veteran Frenchman capped off yet another successful tournament by claiming the Open 13 event in Marseille, France with a 6-4, 6-4 win over fellow countryman and World No. 17 Lucas Pouille in Sunday’s final.
The 31-year-old Tsonga, who won Rotterdam last week, entered the final having beaten defending champion Nick Kyrgios in the semifinals. Tsonga continued his stellar form right into the opening game of the match.
Pouille got off to a nervous start in his opening service game. Tsonga capitalized by breaking Pouille right away and then holding serve for a 2-0 lead.
Though Pouille managed to finally get his game going, he could do little to stop Tsonga’s momentum. Pouille, serving later down 3-5, saved a set point against him with a backhand volley winner.
Tsonga, with a serve and volley play of his own, later closed out the set 6-4.
The second set again proved to be all about Tsonga as Pouille could not make any inroads into his opponent’s serve. Tsonga got in 71% of his first serves and won 91% of the points when he did. Pouille managed to only win 16% percent of points when returning.
Pouille did manage to get one highlight in when hit this between the legs passing shot.
Tsonga secured another service break midway through the second set when Pouille mistimed a backhand volley into the net. That gave Tsonga a 4-3 lead and put him in control.
Tsonga, who never faced a break point all afternoon, eventually served for the title up 5-4. With back to back aces, Tsonga soon sealed the convincing 6-4, 6-4 win in just 69 minutes.
This is the third career Marseille title for Tsonga and his 14th career title overall.
Tsonga has now won 17 of his last 20 matches this season. He is projected to rise to World No. 7 this coming Monday.