Jo the entertainer a big threat

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is primed to seriously contend for one of the majors and it could well be here at the 2012 Aus Open. The French star has an all court game which is one of most watchable on today's tour, and now over the spate of injuries that stalled his initial meteoric rise to the top ten, including the 2008 Aus Open finals appearance, Tsonga is of grave concern to all those in the draw, including his second round opponent, Brazilian Ricardo Mello.

Not everything began in sync for Tsonga, as Mello struck the ball sweetly and held serve with relative comfort. Tsonga too managed to hold his first couple of service games before a concentration lapse brought on the unexpected, and the Brazilian pounced to lead 4-2. Missing for Tsonga were the structuring of points and fluency of movement.

He must have flicked a switch for five of the next six games were grabbed by Jo-Wilfried and he suddenly was hitting every shot in the book plus several more in his self penned appendix. Coming to the net no longer a token gesture but a specific and successful tactic, the hand and racquet as one through each shot rather than fighting each other for prominence.

Mello's descent should be viewed as mostly forced by Tsonga than a personal capitulation, and he did start the second set in fair shape considering the battering received in the last half of set one. However, Jo-Wilfried had his groove and his mojo back, and the early break in the set went to him, one which he duly protected through to the 6-4 conclusion.

Two sets up and Mello thinking of a second round losers cheque.

The third set had much about it similar to the first set - both players holding serve, Tsonga looking likely to prevail and then Mello surprising with the break of serve. Leading 4-2, Mello had provided the final twist for the match as Jo-Wilfried rallied to win the next four games and the match 7-5 6-4 6-4. If not for an error count which must have been of concern, the French camp would have felt unqualified delight. As things stand, the overall plan has been adhered to with Ricardo being given permission to leave the event at this juncture.