Wimbledon Tip: Tsonga v Kohlschreiber

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will fancy his chances of making it back-to-back Wimbledon semi-finals when he clashes with Philip Kohlschreiber on Wednesday.

In last year’s quarter-finals the Frenchman became the first player to defeat Roger Federer in a Grand Slam match from two sets down. This time the draw has opened up for the 27-year-old following the shock early departure of Rafa Nadal. Although Tsonga laboured with back trouble against Mardy Fish, he is unlikely to pass up such a rare opportunity.

Kohlschreiber has been progressing well having not dropped a set for three matches. But the German very nearly exited in the very first round when we faced arguably his toughest test to this point. Tommy Haas was one tie-break success away from putting the number 27 seed out.

Tsonga is undeniably the better player and should make his class tell on grass. At best odds of 1/3 (WilliamHill) to win we’re encouraged to look at set betting alternatives though. We find our value by taking the number five seed to progress in straight sets at best odds of 13/8 (WilliamHill).

The higher ranked player leads the head-to-head showdowns 5-1 and the Frenchman has taken the last eight sets played between them without reply. With an aching back he’ll be keen to get the job done quickly and he has the game to do so at SW19.