Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has been a giant-killer in the Toronto Masters and will be hoping to continue his impressive form against Swiss Maestro Roger Federer in the final tonight.
It is a big match for Tsonga, who is bidding to win his second Masters title. This is his first final appearance in an ATP 1000 event in three years. Tsonga has been in incredible form in Toronto, as he defeated Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Grigor Dimitrov on his way to the final.
"I'm feeling good," the 29-year-old said. "I have been waiting for this moment for a couple of years now. It's good because I have always believed in myself during all these years. It will for sure make me stronger and keep my motivation at the highest level."
The Frenchman had reached the pre-quarterfinals of both the French Open and Wimbledon but could not maintain his rhythm to go further. Tsonga has finally managed to break the jinx and dispatched more top-10 players than anyone else in Toronto.
Tsonga ousted Djokovic in the third round and Dimitrov in the semifinal in straight sets, although he faced stiff challenge from former US Open champion Andy Murray in the quarterfinal. The 29-year-old insisted that he is looking forward to the final and ending his title drought.
"When you play against Roger it's always special," Tsonga said. "Every time, you know the crowd is for him. So, you know, it's quite a good sensation... when you win against 10,000 people."
Meanwhile, Federer faced little trouble in beating Feliciano Lopez in the semifinals. The 17-time major winner was at his best and served quite well to register a straight set victory over the Spaniard.
The four-time US Open champion played a couple of close matches against Marin Cilic in the third round and David Ferrer in the quarterfinals. Federer is not taking Tsonga lightly ahead of the final and insisted that he would have to be at top of his game to beat the Frenchman.
"I'm obviously super excited to be in the finals," Federer said. "He's had a terrific run here so clearly he's playing great again. (Tsonga) can overpower guys, serve up a storm and then play really aggressive with his forehand and also be solid in his backhand."
"You think you're in a safe place in the rally, and he takes one step and just hits it and the point is over," he added. "That's why he's been in the Top 10 for so long."
Federer has a 11-4 win-loss record over Tsonga and has beaten the Frenchman twice this year - in the Australian Open and Monte Carlo Masters.
Tsonga's last victory over Federer came at Roland Garros in 2013.
"It can be one of the biggest victories for me if I am able to beat him," Tsonga pointed out.
Where to Watch Live
The final between Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is scheduled for a 12:30 am IST (2:00 pm ET, 7:00 pm BST and 6:30 pm GMT) start with live coverage on Star Sports in India and live streaming option HERE. Rogers Cup will also be streamed live HERE and HERE or catch the live updates HERE.
Sportsnet will telecast the matches live in Canada with live streaming option HERE or listen to the action live online HERE. ESPN 2 will telecast the matches live in the United States with an online streaming option HERE. In South Africa and sub-Sahara region the tournament will be available live on Super Sport with live online viewing option HERE.
