Jo-Wilfried Tsonga stayed on course for a second successive title as he knocked out Australia’s defending champion Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (7-5) 2-6 6-4 to reach the Marseille Open final on Saturday.
Tsonga claimed his first title since 2015 last week in Rotterdam and maintained his streak of hot form in the face of typically inspired play by the unpredictable Kyrgios.
His victory set up an all-French final on Sunday against Lucas Pouille, who beat another Frenchman Richard Gasquet 7-5 6-3 in the other last-four match.
Second seed Tsonga lost his way in the second set against Kyrgios but recovered to break once in the decider.
The 31-year-old saved five of eight break points and had to prevail in the face of 16 aces from Kyrgios to win their first meeting and give himself the chance of a third Marseille crown after his victories in 2009 and 2013.
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