Tsonga Wins Doha After Skipping Federer In Semifinal

(January 7, 2012) There is something to be said for the man that takes advantage of the situation presented to him. World No. 6 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga did just that to win the Qatar Exxonmobil Open in a French clash by beating Gael Monfils 7-5, 6-3 in just under two hours.

Just two days ago it looked as if history would repeat itself. Tsonga had earned a spot in the semifinal, where he was set to play Roger Federer, the same man that had defeated him the previous year in the same round, as well as in the final of the last two tournaments they competed in.

Unfortunately for the 16-time Grand Slam champion, a flaring back injury needed time to mend before the start of the Australian Open on January 16. The walkover gave Tsonga a chance for his first title in Doha, and eighth overall.

Monfils had fought his way into the final with a win over a seemingly substandard Rafael Nadal the day before. With the win today, Tsonga extended his career record to 4-1 over his compatriot including junior competition thanks to his more aggressive game.

The greatest difference between the two was in the strength of Tsonga’s return, winning 42 percent of return points in comparison to surrendering only 27 percent on his own serve. Including the end of his 2011 season, this was the fifth final in the last eight tournaments for Tsonga, who won three with two losses to Federer in Paris and then again at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Both Monfils and Tsonga are scheduled to take next week off in preparation for the first major of the year.