Roger Federer takes on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Doha semi-finals for the second straight year on Friday afternoon.
"We've played very often, and now there's no more such secrets out there, especially having played three straight times basically at the end of [last[ season," Federer said. "It's going to be pretty much straightforward for both of us, and I hope we can live up to the expectations and show a good match to the fans."
Federer leads the head-to-head 8-3 and of course will be strong favourite after beating Tsonga 6-3, 7-6(2) at this stage in Doha last year and then winning their last four matches from the US Open onwards.
However despite becoming Federer's 'bunny' during the autumn indoor swing, Tsonga insisted that he will not have any psychological block when he steps on court against the Swiss.
"I think when you beat him, you know you can do it and that's it," Tsonga said. "So of course when you are going on the court the next time, you are a bit more confident. But it's difficult anyway to play against Federer, because when he plays his best level, it's better than every player."
Tsonga looked the more impressive of the two in the quarters, serving his way past Spain's Albert Ramos to win 6-2, 6-1. Federer in comparison was made to toil before seeing off Andreas Seppi 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 but the Swiss will almost certainly raise his game for Tsonga.
Prediction: Federer in two.
