World No.10 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was feeling both cheesed off and happy after guiding France into the Hopman Cup final.
France will meet Poland in Saturday night’s decider after Tsonga and Alize Cornet posted singles wins in their tie against Spain at Perth Arena on Friday.
Cornet overcame a sore hamstring to beat Anabel Medina Garrigues 6-2 6-2, before Tsonga defeated journeyman Daniel Munoz-De La Nava 6-4 6-7 (9-7) 6-2 to ensure France finished on top of Group B.
Poland’s pairing of world No.5 Agnieszka Radwanska and Grzegorz Panfil topped Group A after continuing their unbeaten run with a 2-1 triumph over Australia on Thursday night.
Tsonga was cruising at a set and 5-2 up against Munoz-De La Nava in the men’s singles rubber.
But the flamboyant Frenchman was left visibly frustrated after blowing three match points on the way to conceding the second set in a tiebreak.
The 28-year-old regrouped in the third to close out the match in 135 minutes, but said he needed to develop a more ruthless streak if he was to achieve his goal of grand slam glory.
“I started to be a bit upset,” Tsonga said.
“The only word I know is pissed off because I expect to be one of the best players in the world.
“When I play some matches like this, I want to be more decisive. I have to finish it.
“Today I lost my concentration a bit.
“But after I lost the second set I came back with another mentality, and it was a lot better.”
Tsonga doesn’t know much about his looming opponent Panfil, who is ranked 288th in the world and only got a call-up to the Hopman Cup after Jerzy Janowicz withdrew due to injury.
Panfil’s dancing was a hit at the Hopman Cup New Year’s ball, but Tsonga is ready to tango on the tennis court.
“For sure I will lose on the dance floor. But I hope on the court I will be better,” Tsonga said with a smile.
Cornet was troubled by hamstring soreness during her singles match, but said it was only a minor discomfort and wouldn’t prevent her from featuring in the final.
“This is just soreness. I’m feeling OK,” Cornet said.
“I just have to recover and take care of myself. I will be ready for the final.”
Cornet has won three singles titles and two doubles titles since turning professional in 2006.
But the world No.27 said guiding France to their first Hopman Cup title would hold a special place in her heart.
Poland are also aiming to snare their maiden Hopman Cup title.
“It would be one of my greatest successes of my career for sure,” Cornet said.