Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has a victory dance he reserves for the Australian Open. He even demonstrated it twice on Saturday.
The routine is simple, yet a crowd-pleaser: he skips across the court flexing his biceps with his thumbs pointing at his head.
He did it after beating Tommy Haas of Germany 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 to advance to the fourth round in Melbourne. And again minutes later when former tennis star-turned-commentator Jim Courier walked on-court to congratulate Tsonga and asked him to, please, do it one more time.
So he did, in slow motion and with a big smile.
The charismatic 24-year-old from France is a showman. He rallies the crowd for cheers, and hops, skips and jumps around the court to pump up the energy of a packed stadium.
``It's better to play in front of 10,000 people than two people,'' said Tsonga, who played in front of closer to 15,000 people Saturday. ``I enjoy every moment, every match, every point I play on this court.''
Tsonga first did the dance two years ago in Melbourne Park on his surprising run to the 2008 final, where he lost to Novak Djokovic.
``It's something I did the first time (two) years ago,'' he told Courier, who drew laughs by attempting the dance. ``The crowd liked that. And every time I'm obliged to do it.''
Back in 2008, Tsonga was hailed as the upset king who toppled four top-seeded players on his way to the final, including Rafael Nadal in the semifinals.
This year Tsonga is the 10th-seeded player and the highest-ranked Frenchman on the tour. He is soft-spoken and articulate in his native language and does not lack for confidence.
``I think I will be dangerous,'' he said. ``I didn't play my best tennis and I still won.''
``I know I can go all the way,'' said Tsonga, who finished in the year-end top 10 for the second consecutive year, becoming the only Frenchman to do so since Yannick Noah in 1985-1987.
Tsonga served 20 aces in Saturday's 2-hour, 28-minute match against Haas.
``When he's on and he serves well ... he can be very tough. He's a great athlete,'' said the 18th-seeded Haas, who sought treatment during the match for a back problem. ``I have some issues there. I definitely have to look into it.''
Haas is 31 years and 9 months old, making him the oldest of the 33 seeds in the men's draw.
Tsonga will face 26th-seeded Nicolas Almagro of Spain in the fourth round. Tsonga is hoping to maintain what has become a Grand Slam tradition for him.
``Until now, I've never played a match in five sets,'' said Tsonga who has played 10 previous Grand Slams.
``Maybe one day, I'll do it intentionally,'' he joked. ``I'd like to live it. It would be a good experience. But if I can avoid it for the moment I'd like to win in less than five sets.''
