Del Potro Edges Tsonga, Faces Llodra For Marseille Title

© AFP/Getty ImagesJuan Martin del Potro improved to 4-1 against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Saturday.

Fourth seed Juan Martin del Potro reached his second straight final on Saturday in Marseille, topping the 2009 titlist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 6-7(9), 6-3 in the Open 13 semi-finals.

In an 83-minute second set, World No. 6 Tsonga saved a match point before clinching the set on his fifth attempt to square the semi-final contest at one-set all. Del Potro quickly regrouped, breaking the top seed for the third time to lead 2-0. He was never under fire in the final set on serve, winning 20 of his 23 service points to clinch the hard-fought clash in two hours and 49 minutes. "I’m really glad I have a chance to play another final," said del Potro.

"Plus, beating Tsonga here in France in the way I played today, I have many good things take away for the future. I’m close to winning the tournament, so I’ll be ready for a fight like today."

Watch Live Online | Buy Tickets

Del Potro improved his FedEx ATP Head 2 Head record against Tsonga to a 4-1 mark and is now 12-3 on the season. The win advances the 23 year old to his 15th tour-level final. He finished runner-up to Roger Federer last week at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.

The 10th-ranked Argentine will look to lift his 10th trophy on his tournament debut when he squares off against  2010 champion Michael Llodra.

The Frenchman knocked off third seed Janko Tipsarevic 6-4, 7-6(10) in one hour and 40 minutes, saving six set points in the second set to progress to his third final at the ATP World Tour 250 event. Llodra was effective on serve, firing 14 aces, winning 87 per cent of his first serve points and denying Tipsarevic four break point opportunities.

The 31-year-old Llodra has won 15 of his past 17 matches in Marseille. He is bidding to win his sixth title, with his latest triumph coming at the AEGON International in Eastbourne two years ago. Llodra will aim to upend del Potro for the first time in three FedEx ATP Head 2 Head meetings in Sunday's final.

Join ATP World Tour On Facebook