Djokovic Prevails Over Tsonga, Still Holding Onto World No. 3 Spot

After losing four consecutive matches against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Novak Djokovic finally prevailed. Djokovic beat Tsonga solidly 6-3 6-4. The Serb will most likely go onto play Roger Federer in the semifinals where he will need to step up his game. Federer currently leads their head-to-head 7-2.

Djokovic is struggling this year after changing racquets, and this is his first solid win against a top player this year. At the beginning of the year, Djokovic was on course to overtake Roger Federer for the number two spot but then fell behind after unsuccessfully defending his Australian Open title. Instead of chasing down Federer for the world number two spot, he is now staving off Andy Murray for his three spot, which he has held for over 19 consecutive months. Only 570 points currently separate the two players.

In order for Murray to pass Djokovic next week, he will have to win the tournament this week, and Djokovic will have to lose in the semifinals. Murray will first have to get past Fernando Verdasco in the quarterfinals tomorrow in the grudge match of the Australian Open quarterfinals where Verdasco upset Murray.

(image: Al Bello/Getty Images)