Tsonga beats Goffin to win Rotterdam title

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has rallied from a set down to take out his first title since 2015, in Rotterdam.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has clinched his 13th career title, beating David Goffin in the Rotterdam final. (AAP)

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga clinched his 13th career title on Sunday, rallying from a set down to beat Belgium's David Goffin 4-6 6-4 6-1 in the final of the World Tennis Tournament.

The sixth-seeded Frenchman hit 10 aces and, although he dropped his serve twice, he broke the third-seeded Goffin's serve four times.

Tsonga, ranked 14, lost the final in Rotterdam six years ago. His last title also came on indoor hardcourts in Metz, France, two years ago.

"I'm really happy. The last couple of months I put in a lot of effort to come back to this level," Tsonga said.

"It's a huge reward for me and it gives me new expectations for the rest of the year."

The powerful Tsonga changed his approach to play more to his strengths and dictate points more.

"I changed my serve and worked a lot on my backhand and my returns. I also changed my strings. There were many things to improve in my game," he said.

"In the second set, I showed a different mentality on court. I was more aggressive and it made the difference."

Goffin, meanwhile, will become the first Belgian man to break into the top 10 when the rankings are published Monday.

"I was a bit tired. I started the final really well, but in the end Jo played better than me," Goffin said.


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Source: AAP


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