Jo-Wilfried Tsonga sees off Nick Kyrgios to reach Marseille final

25 February 2017 06:39

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga closed in on a second consecutive ATP Tour title after defeating defending champion Nick Kyrgios in the semi-finals of the Open 13 in Marseille.

Tsonga, who lifted the trophy in Rotterdam last week, won a hard-fought clash 7-6 (7/5) 2-6 6-4 in two hours and 12 minutes.

In doing so, he achieved something no player had done before in Marseille - break the Kyrgios serve.

The Australian had the chance to serve out the opening set but could not do so and, although he hit back to level the match, Tsonga gained the crucial break in the third game of the decider.

That guaranteed an all-French final, and Tsonga will face fourth seed Lucas Pouille after he saw off Richard Gasquet 7-5 6-3.

Pouille arrived in Marseille having won just one match all season but has been in fine form on home soil.

Source: PA