Having never played a five-set match in his career before this event, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has now won two in a row, defeating Novak Djokovic 7-6(8), 6-7(5), 1-6, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the Australian Open semifinals.
Afterwards, Tsonga told French reporters his win had been both physical and mental
"Today he had a stomach problem, but he often has problems when it's not going," said the Frenchman, who lost the 2008 Australian Open final to Djokovic in four sets but has beaten the Serb in all five meetings since. "After the final in Australia, I've always said that if I had taken him to a fifth set, I would have crushed him because I can physically take five sets... I go for my shots, I don't waste much energy and I become tough."
Asked what he was most satisfied with, Tsonga said, "My fight and mental [strength]. French players are often criticized for not having the mental but tonight I think I proved it's in part false."