Wimbledon 2012: Fish Versus Tsonga - Preview

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga takes on the challenge of Mardy Fish in the fourth round on Monday, the 2^nd July. Both were straight set winners in the third round. They have met twice before and Tsonga was the winner on both the occasions. Their match in U.S Open last year was decided in the fifth set.

Fish has been more impressive in his victory over David Goffin in the previous round. He fired seventeen aces in seventeen service games as against Tsonga’s seven aces in fourteen service games against Lukas Lacko. His average serve was faster than Tsonga. He hit 56 winners committing only 18 unforced errors in 35 games whereas Tsonga hit 27 winners and committed 17 unforced errors in 28 games. However, this comparison is no precursor to the likely outcome of the result in their ensuing encounter. It only shows that Fish is playing well inspite of his numerous pull outs from various tournaments in the past few months due to illness.

Tsonga has a natural grass court game where he is both aggressive and is an innate mover to the forecourt behind a good approach shot. He has excellent volleying skills. His court speed is very good but footwork is sometimes hampered by his heavier frame which comes in the way of quick shuffle required while readying himself for the volley. He has good variety in his game. However, there are some limitations. He can run short of ideas if he is unable to impose his game on his opponent. His tendency is to become more aggressive and run faster. His anxiety becomes palpable in his game and nerves do come into play. This is where Fish is a bit different. He is more balanced in his mind and tends to treat the match situation in a calmer way. He is likely to send more shots to Tsonga’s backhand, the flank from where Tsonga does not fire as many winners. Fish will also get more balls to his backhand since Tsonga plays many inside out forehands. Both the players play slice on backhand as well as top spin, though Tsonga imparts less top spin from backhand. He can however play a flatter down the line backhand as easily as a cross court two hander.

Fish has better defence than Tsonga. He may not be as much flamboyant, but does not give up percentage play even when trailing. Tsonga’s fortitude can be tested, though he is not as much impatient now as he was in previous years. He is the one who is likely to make the first move for an opening in a rally. Fish will wait for his chances to counter punch. Tsonga is the one more likely to commit an error in longer rallies.

Tsonga is the favourite to go through to the quarterfinals, but Fish’s doggedness can save the day for him. The match can have unexpected result.