The form of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the tail end of 2011 shows no sign of abating into this year as he looks to claim the first title of 2012 in Doha. Yes he received a freebie from Roger, whose injured back raises concerns not only for him but for Aus Open organisers, but the French number one would have presented Federer with problems even had he needed to play the semi final.
The double surprise - and a pleasant one for French fans - is the fact that Gael Monfils has knocked over Rafa for the first time in ages. Admittedly this is only lead-up match play prior to the big fortnight in Melbourne, but it does add potential spice to the mens draw which in most pundits' minds offered few alternatives to a semi final line-up populated with the world's 4 top ranked players.
Add to the mix Janko Tipsarevic, who has cruised into the Chennai semis without missing too many beats, and there is much to salivate when considering mens singles from 16 January.
Monfils did defeat Tsonga last time they met, but I expect Jo to prevail in Doha - I also visualise 2008 as a distinct possibility of being played out again on Rod Laver Arena. Yes, that was Novak Djokovic's first entry into the Grand Slam title record books, and the French player he beat happened to be the surprise packet Tsonga. Not so much a surprise if he reprised his finals appearance this year.
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