Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has spoken of his delight after posting a dream first-ever ATP victory in the Thailand Open in Bangkok.
Australian Open runner-up proves he is no flash in the pan
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has spoken of his delight after posting a dream first-ever ATP victory in the Thailand Open in Bangkok.
The French player, who reached the final of the Australian Open earlier this year as a relative unknown, proved he is no flash in the pan with a 7-6 (7/4) 6-4 victory over world number three Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final.
The win was sweet revenge for the Frenchman, who lost to Djokovic in the Melbourne showpiece.
Amazing year
He said: "This win is like a dream, it's been an amazing year for me.
"What happened at the Australian Open was fantastic, but winning here has shown I can do that again.
"To go from nowhere and get right up here in such a short time is amazing, no one thought it would happen."
The 23-year-old was sidelined for three months after knee surgery in May and Bangkok was only his second tournament since his layoff.
Difficult
"It was so difficult to come back. Of course, I believe injury has stopped me winning more tournaments, " he said.
"Of course, I know I can do it again. It's been a very frustrating time for me."
While he is confident in his ability, Tsonga also vowed not to rest on his laurels after becoming the ninth first-time winner on this year's ATP Tour.
"We have to enjoy the moment, but next week is another tournament, another match, another first round," he said.
"It was difficult here and it will always be difficult. The difference now is the other players are aware of me, I won't be a surprise anymore."
