MARSEILLE, February 27, 2017

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won his ninth match in a row and celebrated his third Open 13 Provence title in Marseille on Sunday. The 31-year-old Frenchman broke his younger compatriot Lucas Pouille two times in the 69-minute 6-4, 6-4 win.

“I’m extremely happy I won this week. I played really well. I was very solid until the end. It’s my 14th title and I hope it won’t be the last. I feel great physically. I worked really hard since the beginning of my career. It’s amazing to win two titles in a row,” told Tsonga, who clinched his 14th ATP World Tour title and his second for 2017. He won the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam a week ago by defeating then-World No. 11 David Goffin.

“Sorry it didn’t work for Pouille but I remember him saying that he’s happy for Jo. He’s in a very good place.”

Tsonga improves to 17-3 on the season. He claimed the Open 13 Marseille title in 2009 and 2013 as well.  The new World No.7 receivd 250 Emirates ATP Rankings Points and took away €110,655 in prize money.

Frenchmen Take Doubles Title

Earlier the day, top seeds Julien Benneteau and Nicolas Mahut of France clinched the doubles title, winning 6-4, 6-7, 10-5 over Dutchman Robin Haase and Dominic Inglot from Great Britain. The encounter lasted one hour and 36 minutes.

“Winning this week with Nico in Marseille, it is very nice! It is a real pleasure! I would love to play with him again if I can,” said Benneteau. The team hadn’t played together since 2012 but won their third career ATP World Tour team doubles title.

“When Julien asked me to play with him I immediately said yes. For me, this victory is very important and it means a lot,” Mahut added.