Jo-Wilfried Tsonga returns - Moselle Open

[Down_the_line]

Tsonga is making his return to tour action for the first time since retiring in the 2nd round at Wimbledon back in June at the ATP 250 Moselle Open in his home country. He is the two time defending champion there.

It will be good to see him back. He's one of the few players that can somewhat consistently challenge the top guys and, like most Frenchmen, he's a character.

 

[Down_the_line]

If anyone feels interested in discussing this tournament, this might as well be the thread for it.

Seeds:

1. TSONGA, Jo-Wilfried (FRA)
2. SIMON, Gilles (FRA)
3. SEPPI, Andreas (ITA)
4. KOHLSCHREIBER, Philipp (GER)
5. PAIRE, Benoit (FRA)
6. QUERREY, Sam (USA)
7. CHARDY, Jeremy (FRA)
8. MAYER, Florian (GER)


Draw:

http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2013/341/mds.pdf
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Pretty solid lineup for a small 250 tournament. As you can imagine, all the top Frenchmen are in attendance. Gasquet is the only one not playing.

 

[merwy]

Indeed a strong lineup. I think Kohly will take it. Will be very interesting to see how Tsonga does. He needs to have a very strong end of the season to still qualify for the WTF. He's now 500 pts behind on the #8 Wawrinka in the Race.

 

[Down_the_line]

Indeed a strong lineup. I think Kohly will take it. Will be very interesting to see how Tsonga does. He needs to have a very strong end of the season to still qualify for the WTF. He's now 500 pts behind on the #8 Wawrinka in the Race.

I voted for Kohlschreiber to win as well. He's looked very good lately and Tsonga, who is otherwise the favourite, will probably be rusty.

 

[Down_the_line]

Interesting little tidbit: Since 2003, only 4 champions at this event have NOT been French. On 2 of those occasions, the finalist was a Frenchman.

I suppose this isn't surprising, given the field is loaded with French players.

 

[Crose]

Good to see Jo back, the tour really needs him in form to make things interesting.

 

[eliars]

Missed Jo. Hope he's recovered fully and isn't coming back too soon. Guess he doesn't want to miss out on his fav. surface. And he still has a shot at qualifying for WTF.