VIENNA, October 29, 2016

In the remaining semi-final of the Erste Bank Open 500, 2011 Vienna titlist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga fought past eighth seed and ATP World Tour ace leader Ivo Karlovic, winning 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 on Saturday afternoon.

The world number 15 from France saved one match point, withstood 22 aces, hitting seven of his own to prevail in two hours and 34 minutes.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

“It was a special match today. I was a set and a break down but I managed to come back,” Tsonga told after his first win over Karlovic in his third attempt.

“I was more consistent and aggressive after that. The third set was very close and it was just important to win the last point. That’s what I did and I am happy.”

Tsonga will play his second final in Vienna. “It’s great to win four matches in a row in that kind of tournament. That means you play good tennis, as it is not easy to go through. I still have one match to win. Looking at the statistics, my chances are low but in sports anything can happen and I will try to get another trophy.”

Murray leads 12-3 in head-to-head records over the Frenchman. The last meeting between the two took place at Wimbledon earlier this year with Murray winning in five sets. Tsonga’s last victory against the Brit is dated back to the year 2014 at the ATP Masters 1000 in Toronto.

“I am looking forward to tomorrow. It is going to be a tough one,” told Murray after receiving a walkover into the title match. “Jo-Wilfried is a big server and likes playing indoors but I am trying to finish the season as strong as I can. Being in another final is obviuosly good. It has been a tough week. The last couple of matches were really tricky but now I will get the chance for another title and I hope to play my best match in the final.”