Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is closing in on another Paris Masters final. Tsonga takes on John Isner in Saturday's semis.
2008 champion Tsonga received a walkover into the last four as top seed Novak Djokovic pulled out on Friday morning for fear of further aggravating his shoulder injury.
Tsonga has been telling the press all week how important this tournament is to him and he's got a fantastic opportunity to make the final against Isner who's competing in a Masters Series semi-final for the first time in his career.
However Isner has served brilliantly all week and he took out fourth seed David Ferrer 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the quarters. He's already made three finals this year but they were all at the ATP 250 level.
"I feel great," Isner enthused. "It was my first Masters quarter-final, as well. I'm just thrilled to have won tonight, given that Ferrer is such a tough player. He's No. 5 in the world for a reason. I played very well, and I'm very, very happy."
These two have met just the once before, Isner winning 4-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(4) in Washington two years ago.
Prediction: Tsonga in three.