Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, of France, celebrates winning his fourth round match against Richard Gasquet, of France, at the Australian Open yesterday. Picture: GETTY IMAGES
Spurred on by his new Australian coach Roger Rasheed, Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga moved a step closer to an elusive grand slam title with a fourth round win at Melbourne Park.
The seventh seed is into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open after purring to a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over another Frenchman, ninth seed Richard Gasquet yesterday.
Tsonga, whose best grand slam result was runner-up here to Novak Djokovic in 2008, linked with Rasheed, a long-time mentor for Lleyton Hewitt, late last year.
Showing a clear liking for Australian conditions, Tsonga was also a semi- finalist in Melbourne in 2010 and has reached the final four at Wimbledon for the past two years, including a stunning upset of Roger Federer in a quarter-final last year.
The 27-year-old wouldn't reveal what Rasheed had focused on since taking over the coaching reins, but said Rasheed had ignited his desire to win.
"It's great because he's always positive," Tsonga said.
"I try to be at his level and have exactly the same motivation because I think he can move some mountains because he is very motivated."
Ranked No.8 in the world, the talented Frenchman hired Rasheed, who has also worked with compatriot Gael Monfils, in the hope the Australian can help him claim a grand slam and become the world's best player.
Tsonga said he felt different approaching the Open with a local in his corner.
"Last year I was by myself," he said.
"It's just great to be with him; he gives me good advice so I hope I will continue to play good tennis and I hope we'll have come victories together."
Tsonga joined another Frenchman in the quarter- finals, with Jeremy Chardy advancing to his first final eight in a grand slam on his 21st attempt.
Chardy won through with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over Italian Andreas Seppi.