Jo-Wilfried Tsonga reaches last 8 at Open

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has prevailed where seeds Marin Cilic and Bernard Tomic failed, knocking out insurgent Brit Dan Evans from the Australian Open.

Tsonga reached the last eight at Melbourne Park for the first time in four years with his 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 6-4 6-4 win over two hours and 53 minutes on Sunday night.

Tsonga cracked 59 winners and kept his unforced errors to just six a set after losing the opening set in a tiebreak.

His serve was a major weapon, launching 17 aces and peaking at 221km/h.

Such power and consistency holds the Frenchman in good stead for his quarter-final assignment against new Open favourite Stan Wawrinka.

“He’s playing unbelievably and has won here. It’s going to be a big challenge against Stan,” Tsonga said.

Wawrinka was assisted by claiming early breaks in each set after the first, ensuring he regained control of the contest. His serve was not broken.

The victory sends the 31-year-old and 2008 finalist back to the quarter-finals for just the second time in the past seven years.

The early departure of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray has left the draw wide open.

“It’s always an opportunity when a guy like this lost,” he said.

“For sure it’s better for me if I don’t have to play Andy because I have a bad record against him.

“But I’m just focusing on my game. My next game is going to be Stan. I cannot look forward. I have to be focused on this game.”

Evans will need to be content with his best major performance in 16 grand slams, including qualifying efforts.

His fourth-round appearance sets a new benchmark, with plenty to be expected from the bustling 26-year-old in 2017.

The British No.2 will hit a new career world position high of around 45 when the first rankings are released after the Open.

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