Tsonga vs. Kohlschreiber: Frenchman Will Overcome Back Pain to Reach Semifinals

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has a great shot at advancing to the Wimbledon final, and he won't let an aching back impede him.

Per Paul Hirst of The Independent, Tsonga's fourth-round battle required that he overcome his opponent and a aching back. He knocked off American Mardy Fish to reach the quarterfinals, and now German Philipp Kohlschreiber stands between him and the semifinals.

He received treatment for the injury that seemingly occurred during the match. He must gather himself for a competitive quarterfinal match.

Kohlschreiber is the No. 21 seed and, though he's played well up to this point, Tsonga, the No. 5 seed, should be able to defeat him. If the tournament had gone as chalked, this would be Rafael Nadal opposing Tsonga.

But Rafa was upset in the second round, and his absence really opens up the bottom portion of the men's draw at Wimbledon.

With this opening, Tsonga must seize the opportunity. He has always been a good grass court player. His big serve and solid volley skills make it seem as though he should experience success at Wimbledon.

His win percentage on grass (.710) is the highest on any surface currently used on the ATP tour.

He reached the semifinals last year, and reaching the final would be a great accomplishment. Winning it all would of course be best.

Tsonga has proven he can play with the best. He has played Novak Djokovic extremely tough in Grand Slams over the past four years. Most recently, he had Djoker down four match points at Roland Garros before relinquishing control of the match.

Tsonga has never won a Grand Slam. Considering his age, 27, and the age of the world's elite players, his opportunities are beginning to fade. Knowing this, Tsonga will shake off the bad back to defeat Kohlschreiber and reach the semifinals.

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