French Open 2012: Tsonga deserved to win, says Djokovic

Novak Djokovic admitted Jo Wilfried-Tsonga would have been a “deserving winner” after the world No1 saved four match points to triumph 6-1 5-7 5-7 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 and reach the French Open semi-finals.

The Serb raced into a one-set lead in a blistering 21 minutes, before Tsonga, seeded fifth at his home tournament, mounted a comeback to claim back-to-back sets as his opponent faltered.

Djokovic saved four match points in the fourth set to force a tie-break – and the world No1 triumphed 8-6 as Tsonga’s momentum came to a shuddering halt, leaving Djokovic to take the decisive set 6-1 and move into the last four.

“It was incredible from the start,” Djokovic said. “I played really well for a set and a break up. The crowd supported Jo.

“He started playing really well. It was really difficult to stay focused but I was believing maybe I could have my chances.

“He was playing really aggressive. If he would have won today, he would have been a well-deserved winner.”

Djokovic is aiming to become only the third man to hold all four Grand Slams at one time, a feat his semi-final opponent Roger Federer has failed to achieve despite winning 16 Majors in a sparkling career.

“The good thing is that we both have two days off now to rest,” Djokovic added.

“And I hope to have another great match like we did in 2011. It’s always a big challenge to play Roger. He’s a fantastic player, a big champion.”

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