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Tsonga dreaming of revenge, but Nishikori remains the favorite

Despite losing the first set, Nishikori managed to win all of his service games till the end, firing 52 winners against the exhausted Robredo, while Tsonga struggled with his game in the last match. He said he would like a rematch with Nishikori, who needs to get through to quarter final to keep his hopes for securing a spot in London up (Paris semi-final would officially get him to London)

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On a few occasions ahead of Paris, Tsonga pointed out that he needs matches. His form was not a topic at that point since he didn't play and couldn't possibly know what level it's at. France are expecting the grand Davis Cup final, but unlike the Swiss opponents who will play London, have only Paris left to find their rhythm. Of course, the Davis Cup final will be played on clay surface, in conditions much different to ones in Paris, but only wins can get you confidence, practicing can't help with it much.

What we saw of Tsonga yesterday was a very raw performance, which in his case is not a bad thing since he thrives on adrenalin. Unforced errors mean nothing to him - he's ready to attack even when the time is not right, just to keep the adrenalin going. His winning run with Melzer continued yesterday despite his struggle with consistency, bad moves and the obvious lack of official matches. He lost a set, but opened the decider with an early break and then went on to save a couple of break points to win in the end. Despite winning only seven second service points, Malzer had nothing on him -  a mental blockage stopped him once again.

- I won and that's what matters. There were ups and down, especially regarding my focus. Maybe I should have done better, maybe more aggressive, but I did the right thing at the right moment and that makes me happy - Tsonga said. He now faces the opponent he was hoping to meet as the tournament started:

- I hope I can make this very difficult for him, maybe even get back for the defeat last season. I can't foresee what will happen on the court but the three sets against Malzer might have been good for me. I found rhythm and now hope for an even better performance.

Unlike Nishikori, who took a break ahead of Paris, Robredo was on a crazy schedule. He seemed very tired in his first round match with Pospisil, but somehow managed to get through. He was completely exhausted after that match but once again proved to be recovering surprisingly fast for a veteran. He put up a good fight, played a better first set tie-break, but then lost power, while Nishikori didn't lose mental strength. Japan's player then went on to win all of his 14 service games to send Robredo on a well-deserved vacation.

Robredo had no strength to fight back the last two sets, but the 52 winners Nishikori recorded have to be noted. Even if Robredo wasn't so tired, Nishikori would possibly have not let him do much since he seemed to be only preparing for the matches to come. He needs to reach Paris semi final to secure a spot in London, but quarter final would get him really close to that goal too.

- It's not easy mentally, but I try and enjoy it. It's nice to be in the race. Not thinking about it though is the most important thing. Focusing on the match and the game is all that matters - Nishikori said.

Tsonga and him met here last year in a match that ended with Nishikori saving two match-points and Tsonga cramping. The Frenchman has the chance for a rematch now, but the only question is whether he can use it. Except for the brilliant performance in Canada, Tsonga didn't play on a very high level this season, while Nishikori did. He played his first Grand Slam final, won 4 titles and played brilliantly on clay. That makes him the favorite today.