Tsonga snaps up third tour title

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:17

The 23-year-old Frenchman, who had not dropped a set on route to the final at Montecasino in Johannesburg, was made to work hard though, requiring one hour and 48 minutes to see off his fellow countryman 6-4 7-6 (7/5).

The first set went according to serve and looked to be headed for tie-break, but with Chardy serving the 10th game to stay in the set, he fell 0-40 down and Tsonga took full advantage.

The second followed a similar pattern and when Chardy, who was appearing in his first tour final, served to stay in the match at 5-4 down, he looked destined for defeat after conceding a championship point.

But the world number 61 managed to hold on and raised hope of a similar comeback to the one he produced against second seed David Ferrer in the semi-final where he fought from a set down to win.

However, it was not to be as his failure to convert any of his eight break points proved costly and Tsonga held on to seal victory in the tie-break.

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